Strategy

On War: 6 key ideas

by Carl von Clausewitz

The core ideas of On War, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   War is politics by other means

   Military force serves political goals.

   Strategy that loses sight of the purpose behind it wins battles and loses the point.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Friction

   In practice even simple plans meet countless small obstacles: delays, confusion, fatigue.

   Expect friction and build slack into every plan.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   The fog of war

   Information in conflict is incomplete and often wrong.

   Leaders must decide under uncertainty and adjust as facts emerge.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Centre of gravity

   Find the source of the opponent's strength and concentrate effort there, rather than spreading force across everything.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Culminating point

   Every advance eventually runs out of strength.

   Recognise when pushing further will cost more than it gains.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Genius is judgement

   Great commanders combine intellect with the courage to act on incomplete information and the steadiness to hold course.