How can the four most influential military and political treatises apply in the civilian and military spectrums?

2017-09-12T01:54:28-04:00

Have you read the four most important and influential military and political treaties in history? These include Sun Tzu: The Art of War, Niccolò Machiavelli: The Prince, General Carl von Clausewitz: On War, and Frederick the Great: Instructions to His Generals. What are your thoughts on these masterpieces and how they can be used or are already applied in the civilian and military spectrums?

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Sep 12 at 2017 2:01 AM

2017-09-12T02:01:35-04:00

I am well read and studied. Although I am familiar with these works, I am clueless. But they will now be materials I will become versed with enough to form an opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 2:03 AM

2017-09-12T02:03:35-04:00

Yes, but it has been a while. I preferred On War and the Art of War. I think I learned the most from those two.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 12 at 2017 2:40 AM

2017-09-12T02:40:09-04:00

Who's decided that they're the Big Four?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 4:12 AM

2017-09-12T04:12:19-04:00

I've read 2 out of 4. I'm actually drinking coffee from a Carl von Clausewitz mug right now...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 7:46 AM

2017-09-12T07:46:17-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, like many people, I have more books on my shelves than I have read. I have skimmed Sun Tzu's book numerous times, but I have not intentionally read through any of the four.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 7:59 AM

2017-09-12T07:59:57-04:00

Treatises right? Just confused.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 12 at 2017 8:39 AM

2017-09-12T08:39:32-04:00

I've actually read them all (military history degree lol). I like Clausewitz's On War the best because it really focuses in on the concept of war itself. The others you listed are great too don't get me wrong, but I think Clausewitz nailed it (once you get past the specific things applicable only to his day).

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 10:51 AM

2017-09-12T10:51:01-04:00

First, these are all classic military reading and are definitely something everyone in the service should strive to read. I've read them all. You can't mention Uncle Karl without throwing in "The Art of War," by Henri Jomini. This list is missing him and this huge piece of history. Our modern Army was built on a Jominian system...not a Clauswitzian model (if there is such a thing, since he was very theoretical). The "Arthashastra," by Kautilya Chanakya makes Machiavelli look like a Franciscan monk. His work is ancient and forces political-military realism down your throat like an assassin. Missing the Peloponnesian Wars by Thucidides. Haven't even mentioned writings on sea and air power which came out much later in military history. All that said, they are not meant to be applied in the military spectrum, they are meant to be studied and used as tools to adapt current policy, doctrine, strategy, operations and tactics. Applying them makes them sound like a check list when they are more of a frame of mind. Thinking of warfare as an extension of politics is not applying Clauswitz' principles, but is a state of mind that links the two as we make policy and understand our current situation and environment. The interior lines of communication demanded by Jomini aren't necessary now. We can't use them like that. They assist in expanding the mind to possibilities...and how to think about issues...not what to think about the issues.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 12 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-09-12T11:02:56-04:00

Caesars Commentaries didn't make the cut? Mao? Guevara?