War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- War is an extension of political policy using violence instead of diplomacy.
- In plain terms
- War is just politics done with force.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand war as a tool for political ends.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is war ever separate from politics?
- Who controls the use of force?
Another view
War sometimes spirals beyond political control.
More from Karl von Clausewitz
To introduce into the philosophy of war a principle of moderation would be an absurdity - war is an act of violence pushed to its utmost bounds.
Permalink to quote #60 Theory should be study, not doctrine.
Permalink to quote #59 The Conqueror is always a lover of peace: he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.
Permalink to quote #58
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