More on War

More on War examines the fundamental nature and evolution of warfare through a systematic analysis of its core components. The book serves as both a continuation and critique of Clausewitz's On War, updating military theory for modern contexts. Van Creveld organizes the work into distinct sections covering strategy, operations, combat, and the future of armed conflict. The text draws from historical examples spanning ancient battles to contemporary warfare, demonstrating how technological and social changes have impacted military doctrine. Through detailed examination of logistics, leadership, and the psychological aspects of combat, the book presents warfare as a complex system shaped by multiple forces. The analysis extends beyond traditional state-versus-state conflict to include irregular warfare and non-state actors. The work ultimately suggests that while the basic patterns of war remain constant, the methods and contexts of armed conflict continue to transform. Van Creveld's analysis points to the increasing role of asymmetric warfare and the evolution of combat in response to technological and social change.

Readers appreciate van Creveld's direct challenge to Clausewitz's theories and his analysis of how warfare has evolved beyond state-vs-state conflicts. Several reviewers noted the book's clear explanations of complex military concepts and thorough examination of non-traditional warfare. Common praise: - Detailed analysis of guerrilla warfare and terrorism - Strong historical examples and case studies - Clear writing style accessible to non-military readers Common criticisms: - Repetitive arguments in certain chapters - Overemphasis on criticizing Clausewitz - Limited coverage of cyber warfare and modern technology One reader noted: "Van Creveld makes compelling points about how warfare has changed, but spends too much time attacking Clausewitz rather than developing his own framework." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (43 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (31 ratings) Most reviews focus on the academic/theoretical aspects rather than readability or entertainment value.

On War by Carl von Clausewitz The foundational text of modern military theory examines the nature of warfare, strategy, and the relationship between war and politics.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu This ancient Chinese military treatise presents principles of strategy and leadership that influenced military thinking across centuries.

Strategy: A History by Lawrence Freedman The comprehensive examination traces strategic thinking from military operations through business and politics to social movements.

The Utility of Force by Rupert Smith A military commander's analysis demonstrates how modern warfare has evolved from industrial-age armies to conflicts between populations.

The Future of War by Lawrence Freedman The exploration of warfare's evolution covers technological changes, strategic shifts, and the transformation of combat from past to present.

🔹 The author, Martin van Creveld, is one of the world's leading military historians and theorists, and was the only non-American on the U.S. Army's required reading list for officers. 🔹 "More on War" deliberately references and challenges Carl von Clausewitz's seminal work "On War," written in 1832, which has dominated military theory for nearly two centuries. 🔹 Van Creveld wrote this book at age 71, drawing from his 40+ years of military scholarship and incorporating modern warfare examples that Clausewitz could never have anticipated, such as cyber warfare. 🔹 The book challenges the traditional notion that war is merely a continuation of politics by other means, arguing that war often has its own internal logic independent of political goals. 🔹 Throughout the book, van Creveld examines how changes in technology haven't fundamentally altered the basic nature of war, despite dramatically changing how wars are fought.