Relevance and the Interplay of Distance and Intensity in Clausewitz's Trinity

Abstract

Abstract : Clausewitz's theory of war has had an indelible impact on military thought. A prevailing understanding of Clausewitz's theory and, in particular, the trinity framework, is that it applies only to wars between states. A definition or theory of war that only includes nation-states is outdated, given the rise in the influence and communication and combat capabilities of nonstate actors. The acceptance of the precept that Clausewitz's theory and trinity framework should be relegated to the rubric of state-on-state conflict informs the school of thought that deems Clausewitz's work to be, at best, less relevant in the discussion of current strategic issues. This essay posits a countervailing view. The nature of war is at the heart of Clausewitz's theory and that nature, as Clausewitz defined, is unchanged and applicable to nonstate actors as well as states. The nature of war extends beyond just combat operations and, at its essence, is still dominated by the primacy of politics in its conduct. This essay explores an interpretation of Clausewitz's theory. It also addresses the need for states to reframe the strategic environment to effectively engage in war in a much more diverse geostrategic environment.