Theorists

Question 1

Clausewitz

Answer 1

Prussian theorist. Developed a theory of war.

• War is primordial violence and an act to compel an enemy to do our will
• Paradoxical trinity: Chance-Reason-Enmity (hatred)

Question 2

Svechin

Answer 2

Russian General Staff- Fought in Russo-Japanese War
“Strategy”
-Critical thinking was emphasized
-Political leader must decide if they want to do a war of attrition or annihilation
-Strategic offense vs Defense
-Deep battle theory
-Exchange time for space
-Economic mobilization was critical to success of military operations

Question 3

Mahan

Answer 3

Navy Admiral. Taught at Naval War College.
“The influence of Sea Power”

• National greatness is tied to the Sea
• Primary mission of the Navy is to command the Sea
• Destroy the enemy navy in order to control the sea and commerce.

Question 4

Corbett, John

Answer 4

Modern British naval historian
“Some principles of maritime strategy”
-Focus was on maritime strategy vs a theory of warfare
-Four focus areas in his theory:
1. controlling lines of communications, focus on the enemy, and manoeuvre for tactical advantage;
2. the aspects of political, economic and financial dimensions of waging war as well as with the technological and material aspects of war;
3. the primacy of politics in war and in devising an appropriate strategy to protect the national interests
4. the emphasis on efficiency in battle while preserving costly assets.