Theory to Reality: Defensive Operations Confirm Clausewitz’s Theory
Jacob R. Bright - United States Air Force, The Pentagon
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Since its publication in 1832, Carl von Clausewitz’s Vom Kriege (On War) has been an academic pillar for Western military strategists, influencing military doctrine and shaping the debate on power relationships. Clausewitz, a Prussian military officer, fought against the French during the Napoleonic Wars and participated in the Waterloo campaign, which culminated in the surrender of Napoleon Bonaparte. His firsthand experience in these battles provided him with valuable insights into the nature and character of war. In addition to his combat experience, Clausewitz spent considerable time in staff roles within the Prussian Army, affording him the intellectual space to examine the complexities of conflict.
This unique blend of theoretical investigation and battlefield experience lends authenticity to “On War,” solidifying its high status in the intellectual study of military theory and making it a seminal text that continues to be studied and debated.
Central to Clausewitz’s theory is the argument that defensive operations hold an inherent advantage over offensive operations[ii]— a proclamation this article argues resonates in contemporary armed conflicts. The aim is to confirm the credibility of Clausewitz’s assertion by examining its relevance through four core tenets of warfare that undergird his philosophy: resource supply, psychological influence, public support, and fortifications. This article first discusses Clausewitzian theory in relation to defensive operations, a brief history of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, and then considers the strategic implications of the culminating point of the attack. The bulk of this article’s analysis defines each tenet according to Clausewitz’s writings, then describes how these four tenets provide defensive advantages to both Ukrainians and Russians amid the ongoing conflict. [iii] The aim of this article is to affirm Clausewitz’s assertion that “defense is a stronger form of fighting than attack.”[iv]
Clausewitz’s Theory
To initiate the analysis, this section will expound upon Clausewitz’s theory of defensive operations. Clausewitz highlights the critical role of resource supply in enhancing defensive capabilities. He notes that defenders typically have better access to local resources and shorter supply lines, which are vital for maintaining the endurance and effectiveness of forces.[v] Further, Clausewitz emphasizes the nuances of defensive warfare, highlighting its distinct advantages in terms of the psychological aspects of combat. He underscores the importance of courage, determination, and presence of mind, especially in defensive operations where the stakes of protecting one’s homeland magnify these factors.[vi] Additionally, Clausewitz underscores the significance of public support. He posits that the morale and backing of the local population, coupled with superior local intelligence, are pivotal in shaping the effectiveness of defensive strategies.[vii] Moreover, Clausewitz discusses the strategic utilization of physical terrain and fortifications, pointing out how a defender can reshape the local landscape prior to an offender’s forward movements.[viii] These insights from Clausewitz’s “On War” offer a foundational understanding of the strengths inherent in defensive operations.
https://www.militarystrategymagazine.com/article/theory-to-reality-defensive-operations-confirm-clausewitzs-theory/
