BLUF
War is a violent conflict between organized groups that employ force to achieve their objectives. Military professionals must define war to understand its nature, dynamics, and implications.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- Clausewitz defined war as “…a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse, carried on with other means".
- Differentiating between "war," "conflict," and "competition" avoids confusion.
- Recognizing distinctions prevents the misuse of violence.
- Understanding is vital for addressing the following:
- Strategic competition
- Conflict
- War causes (territory, economics, fear, threats)
- Noting that they form a coercion spectrum.
