Politics is the womb in which war develops - where its outlines already exist in their hidden rudimentary form, like the characteristics of living creatures in their embryos.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- War grows out of politics, with its basic shape already present in political decisions before fighting begins.
- In plain terms
- War comes from politics, and its shape is already there before fighting starts.
- What can you take from it?
- Politics shapes war before the first shot is fired.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can war exist without politics?
- How much does policy drive conflict?
Another view
Not all wars are purely political; some arise from accidents or miscalculations.
More from Karl von Clausewitz
In war the result is never final.
Permalink to quote #56 The Conqueror is always a lover of peace: he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.
Permalink to quote #58 In such dangerous things as war the errors which proceed from a spirit of benevolence are the worst things.
Permalink to quote #55
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