Issue #42

Abstract: Published here is a fragment from the first chapter of the first part of Carl von Clausewitz’s treatise “On War” (1832/34) in the translation by A. K. Rachinsky. In this chapter, entitled “What is War?”, the author expounds his understanding of the essence of war as an act of violence aimed at compelling the enemy to fulfill our will. Clausewitz analyzes the interaction of violence, political purpose, extreme exertion, and the factors that moderate this exertion in real war, such as pauses, uncertainty, and the role of chance. The central thesis: war is a continuation of politics by other means. The nature of war, its forms (offense and defense), as well as the role of moral forces, courage, and risk are examined. The text is accompanied by notes.