CHANGES OF WARFARE

Changes of warfare, from the Clausewitzean to Modern type

Abstract

The theories of Carl von Clausewitz remain relevant in the war against terrorism because globalization has blurred the Westphalia definition of a nation-state. If the United States were to examine its trinity from an adversary's point of view, it would see vulnerabilities within each leg of the trinity. In addition, the United States would see that its center of gravity rests within the will of the people. The United States needs to take action to strengthen its trinity and protect its center of gravity. Actions taken in one area will affect all areas of the trinity. Therefore, the United States needs to change its strategic message from one of advancing democracies to one that supports governments which provide for freedom, justice, human dignity, and open capitalistic markets. The United States needs to properly organize, train, and equip its military for the current environment while educating the American public and the world on its new message through a well-organized information operations campaign.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Table of Contents3

Chapter 13

Introduction4

Purpose5

Significance5

Chapter27

Literature Review7

Clausewitz and Globalization9

No One Has the Right to Label Warfare12

"Fighting the Fight that Fits One's Weapons" and "Making the Weapons to Fit the Fight"15

The Trinity and Center of Gravity18

Revolutions In Military Affairs: Origins And Driving Forces19

Methodology22

Defense Transformation and the ''Bush Doctrine''25

Chpter431

Analysis and Discussion31

The Main Elements Of The Current Military Transformation31

Dramatic Progress in ICTs and Other Areas33

New Weapons Effects33

Space-Based Warfare35

Proving and Testing Grounds: Iraq and Afghanistan36

Conclusion39

References42

Appendix45

Chapter 1

Introduction

Once considered the unquestionable bastion of contemporary strategic thought, the theories of Carl von Clausewitz have recently come under attack because of the changes in warfare in the 21st century. While no one will debate that his theories are not thought provoking, many will argue that his writings no longer apply as a universal theory in today's climate of insurgent warfare. Many theorists and strategists, such as John Keegan, have discounted Clausewitz and his theories of war as archaic and of little value to the study of modern warfare, specifically when trying to apply them to insurgencies such as Al Qaeda.1

They argue that, having focused on the Westphalia model, Clausewitz's writings do not apply to insurgencies nor do they apply to warfare waged by identities other than nation-states. While Clausewitz may not have specifically addressed insurgency warfare involving non-state actors, a close examination of the war on terror demonstrates that Carl von Clausewitz's theories remain relevant because of globalization. Additionally, as is often the case with the American way of thinking, Americans only look at a problem from their own point of view. For example, if Americans were to broaden their perspective to encompass the adversary's point of view, they could see how Clausewitz's theories of the trinity and the center of gravity remain relevant and useful in today's environment of fourth generation warfare. Moreover, when this approach is taken, it identifies potential American vulnerabilities in the current conflict with Al Qaeda.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to identify the changes of warfare, from the ''Clausewitzean''to ...