On War

What are “moral forces”? What is their significance in the context of war? Do you agree that they are a significant factor in the course and/or outcome of warfare?

What role did Clausewitz’s own biography and military experience play in shaping his views on conducting warfare? Why does the author consider combat experience to be an integral part of understanding war theory?

What role does military genius play in Clausewitz’s war theory? Which historic figures does he use for this purpose and why?

Clausewitz provides more than one definition of “war.” What are they, and what is the relationship between them? Which definition, if any, seems most relevant to warfare today?

Which type of warfare does Clausewitz consider more advantageous: defensive or offensive? Why?

The author’s examples are extensive but are limited to Europe. Do you think the book would have been different had the author had experience in other parts of the world? Why or why not?

Clausewitz traces the development of a professional army from the Middle Ages until the early 19th century. What were its key features, and why did it develop in this way? How have armies developed since On War was written?

What role do civilians play in On War? Are they significant? Why or why not?