(1/3) On War by General Carl von Clausewitz. Audiobook, full length

Audiobook from classics collection / best-sellers. "On War" is a seminal work on military strategy and theory written by Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz, which was published posthumously in 1832. It remains one of the most influential and enduring texts in the field of military thought. The book is a comprehensive examination of the nature of war, its dynamics, and its implications for both policy and strategy. Key themes and concepts in "On War" include: 1. The Nature of War: Clausewitz begins by defining war as a continuation of politics by other means. He stresses that war is a product of human nature, deeply rooted in political, social, and psychological factors. He considers it a complex and dynamic phenomenon that defies rigid categorization. 2. The Trinity: Clausewitz introduces the concept of the "trinity" to describe the three main forces at play in war: the government, the military, and the people. These elements interact and influence each other during the course of a conflict, and understanding their interplay is crucial for military leaders and policymakers. 3. The Fog of War: Clausewitz highlights the inherent uncertainty and chaos of warfare, often referred to as the "fog of war." He emphasizes the difficulties of making sound decisions in the midst of a battle and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. 4. The Center of Gravity: Clausewitz suggests that every war has a "center of gravity," a critical point that, if identified and targeted, can lead to victory. This concept is still relevant in contemporary military thought and strategy. 5. Strategy and Tactics: He distinguishes between strategy, which involves the overall plan for achieving political objectives, and tactics, which are the methods and maneuvers used to win individual battles. Clausewitz emphasizes that the two are interconnected, and strategy should always guide tactics. 6. The Culminating Point of Victory: Clausewitz introduces the idea that, in any campaign, there is a point beyond which continued operations will not contribute significantly to the achievement of one's political objectives. Recognizing this point and avoiding overextension is crucial for military success. 7. The Relation Between War and Policy: He argues that war is an instrument of policy, and the objectives of a war should be aligned with a nation's political goals. The book explores the dynamic interaction between political leaders and military commanders in shaping war's course. 8. Absolute and Real War: Clausewitz distinguishes between "absolute war" (an idealized, unlimited conflict) and "real war" (which is influenced by political constraints and practical considerations). He discusses how real war often differs from the abstract concept of absolute war. 9. Friction in War: Clausewitz emphasizes the importance of recognizing and mitigating the "friction" that occurs in the execution of military operations. This includes the challenges, errors, and delays that can impede the realization of a military plan. Overall, "On War" provides a profound analysis of war as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Clausewitz's insights into the relationship between war and politics, the role of chance and uncertainty, and the importance of clear and achievable objectives have had a lasting impact on military thought and continue to be studied and discussed by military professionals, scholars, and strategists worldwide. Intro 00:00:00 CHAPTER I.What is War?00:47:33 CHAPTER II. 01:34:19 CHAPTER III.The Genius for War 02:09:52 CHAPTER IV.Of Danger in War 02:57:25 CHAPTER V. 03:01:06 CHAPTER VI. 03:04:34 CHAPTER VII. 03:08:36 CHAPTER VIII. 03:16:02 CHAPTER I. 03:19:37 CHAPTER II. 03:39:49 CHAPTER III.Art or Science of War 04:22:25 CHAPTER IV. 04:28:50 CHAPTER V. 04:42:23 CHAPTER VI.On Examples 05:31:02 CHAPTER I.Strategy 05:47:20 CHAPTER II. 06:06:35 CHAPTER III.Moral Forces 06:08:52 CHAPTER IV.The Chief Moral Powers 06:13:13 CHAPTER V. 06:15:29 CHAPTER VI. 06:25:21 CHAPTER VII. 06:35:05 CHAPTER VIII. 06:37:26 CHAPTER IX. 06:49:31 CHAPTER X. 07:01:18 CHAPTER XI.Assembly of Forces in Space 07:06:12 CHAPTER XII.Assembly of Forces in Time 07:07:27 CHAPTER XIII. 07:23:28 CHAPTER XIV.Economy of Forces 07:30:48 CHAPTER XV. 07:32:47 CHAPTER XVI.On the Suspension of the Act in War 07:36:40 CHAPTER XVII.On the Character of Modern War 07:48:06 CHAPTER XVIII. 07:50:26 CHAPTER I. 07:56:05 CHAPTER II. 07:57:34 CHAPTER III. 08:00:58 CHAPTER IV. 08:10:32 CHAPTER V.On the Signification of the Combat 08:28:59 CHAPTER VI. 08:34:25 CHAPTER VII. 08:37:15 CHAPTER VIII.Mutual Understanding as to a Battle 08:55:02 CHAPTER IX. 09:01:28 CHAPTER X. 09:15:02 CHAPTER XI. 09:28:09 CHAPTER XII. 09:42:03 CHAPTER XIII. 10:08:08 CHAPTER XIV.Night Fighting 10:13:43 CHAPTER I. 10:24:06 CHAPTER II. 10:24:50 CHAPTER III. 10:29:41 CHAPTER IV.Relation of the Three Arms 10:36:44 CHAPTER V. 11:00:17 CHAPTER VI. 11:15:45 CHAPTER VII.Advanced Guard and Out-Posts 11:30:48 More: O