Episode 17: On War by Clausewitz: The Years That War Changed
02/25/25 • 46 min
Description
In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The hosts also examine how Clausewitz’s firsthand experiences fighting Napoleon shaped his philosophy and discuss the critical role of his wife, Marie von Brühl, in shaping his work. Tim shares a provocative hot take, arguing that Clausewitz’s lack of classical education may have been the key to his groundbreaking view of war.
Show Guide
00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request
01:06 Who Was Carl von Clausewitz? Prussian Soldier Turned Military Theorist
04:15 The French Revolution and Napoleon’s Impact on Warfare
09:24 Clausewitz’s Battlefield Experience and Lifelong Study of War
14:45 Marie von Brühl: The Woman Behind On War
18:09 Defining War: The Nature of Violence and the Pursuit of Political Goals
23:30 War as a Continuation of Politics by Other Means
29:50 The Problem of "Kindhearted" Warfare and the Need for Total Commitment
35:20 Clausewitz vs. Modern Wars: Vietnam and the Costs of Limited Engagement
40:00 Tim’s Hot Take: How Skipping the Classics Shaped Clausewitz’s Theory
45:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
Key Topics & Takeaways
- War as Politics by Other Means: Clausewitz’s assertion that war is an extension of political policy underscores the inseparable link between military strategy and statecraft.
- The Brutality of Total War: Clausewitz argued that war demands the complete destruction of the enemy’s will to fight, cautioning against strategies that prolong conflict through partial measures.
- Art or Science?: Rejecting Enlightenment ideals, Clausewitz viewed war as an art shaped by human behavior rather than a science governed by fixed laws.
- The Fog of War: His concept of the "fog of war" highlights the chaos and uncertainty inherent in battle, a key insight derived from his own military experience.
- Modern Implications: Clausewitz’s ideas continue to influence military strategy, particularly in understanding the dynamics of limited engagements like the Vietnam War.
Questions & Discussion
- How does Clausewitz’s definition of war challenge traditional views of warfare?
Explore his argument that war is inherently violent and directly tied to political objectives. - Why does Clausewitz warn against “kindhearted” warfare?
Discuss how partial or limited measures in war can lead to prolonged and more devastating conflicts. - How does Clausewitz’s rejection of scientific warfare differ from Enlightenment thinking?
Reflect on his view of war as chaotic and unsystematic, in contrast to Enlightenment efforts to rationalize human conflict. - What modern conflicts illustrate Clausewitz’s theory?
Analyze how his ideas apply to Vietnam and other contemporary wars, particularly the concept of total commitment. - Was Clausewitz’s lack of classical education an advantage or a disadvantage?
Debate Tim’s hot take on how Clausewitz’s independence from traditional classical training may have sharpened his unique perspective on war.
Suggested Reading
Description
In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The hosts also examine how Clausewitz’s firsthand experiences fighting Napoleon shaped his philosophy and discuss the critical role of his wife, Marie von Brühl, in shaping his work. Tim shares a provocative hot take, arguing that Clausewitz’s lack of classical education may have been the key to his groundbreaking view of war.
Show Guide
00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request
01:06 Who Was Carl von Clausewitz? Prussian Soldier Turned Military Theorist
04:15 The French Revolution and Napoleon’s Impact on Warfare
09:24 Clausewitz’s Battlefield Experience and Lifelong Study of War
14:45 Marie von Brühl: The Woman Behind On War
18:09 Defining War: The Nature of Violence and the Pursuit of Political Goals
23:30 War as a Continuation of Politics by Other Means
29:50 The Problem of "Kindhearted" Warfare and the Need for Total Commitment
35:20 Clausewitz vs. Modern Wars: Vietnam and the Costs of Limited Engagement
40:00 Tim’s Hot Take: How Skipping the Classics Shaped Clausewitz’s Theory
45:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
Key Topics & Takeaways
- War as Politics by Other Means: Clausewitz’s assertion that war is an extension of political policy underscores the inseparable link between military strategy and statecraft.
- The Brutality of Total War: Clausewitz argued that war demands the complete destruction of the enemy’s will to fight, cautioning against strategies that prolong conflict through partial measures.
- Art or Science?: Rejecting Enlightenment ideals, Clausewitz viewed war as an art shaped by human behavior rather than a science governed by fixed laws.
- The Fog of War: His concept of the "fog of war" highlights the chaos and uncertainty inherent in battle, a key insight derived from his own military experience.
- Modern Implications: Clausewitz’s ideas continue to influence military strategy, particularly in understanding the dynamics of limited engagements like the Vietnam War.
Questions & Discussion
- How does Clausewitz’s definition of war challenge traditional views of warfare?
Explore his argument that war is inherently violent and directly tied to political objectives. - Why does Clausewitz warn against “kindhearted” warfare?
Discuss how partial or limited measures in war can lead to prolonged and more devastating conflicts. - How does Clausewitz’s rejection of scientific warfare differ from Enlightenment thinking?
Reflect on his view of war as chaotic and unsystematic, in contrast to Enlightenment efforts to rationalize human conflict. - What modern conflicts illustrate Clausewitz’s theory?
Analyze how his ideas apply to Vietnam and other contemporary wars, particularly the concept of total commitment. - Was Clausewitz’s lack of classical education an advantage or a disadvantage?
Debate Tim’s hot take on how Clausewitz’s independence from traditional classical training may have sharpened his unique perspective on war.
Suggested Reading
Previous Episode
Episode 16: War and Peace: How to Defeat Napoleon? Do Nothing
Description
In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle Leo Tolstoy’s monumental War and Peace. They explore how Tolstoy weaves the lives of Russian aristocrats with the chaos of Napoleon’s invasion, balancing themes of love, honor, fate, and the unpredictability of war. Tim delivers a bold hot take, arguing that Tolstoy belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Western literature and shares a practical strategy to help readers conquer this epic masterpiece.
Show Guide
00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction
01:06 Why War and Peace Is Worth the Read (Despite Its Length)
04:15 Is War and Peace an Epic? (And Who Is the Hero?)
09:24 Russia vs. Europe: Tolstoy’s Cultural Commentary
12:45 Pierre Bezukhov: The Awkward Hero
18:09 Prince Andrei and Natasha Rostov: Duty, Desire, and Growth
23:30 General Kutuzov: The Wisdom of Patience in War
29:50 The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy’s Breaks in the Narrative
36:20 The Russian Soul vs. Enlightenment Rationality
41:00 Tim’s Hot Take: Tolstoy on the Mount Rushmore of Literature
47:01 Closing Remarks and Reading Challenge
Key Topics & Takeaways
- Life Amid War: Tolstoy masterfully captures the ordinary rhythms of life against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion, blending intimate human drama with sweeping historical events.
- Pierre Bezukhov, The Relatable Hero: Pierre’s awkwardness, existential questions, and search for meaning make him one of literature’s most human protagonists.
- Kutuzov’s Wisdom: General Kutuzov embodies the power of patience, showing that restraint and non-action can outmaneuver the Enlightenment ideal of rational warfare.
- The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy critiques the “great man” theory, arguing that history is driven by countless small, unpredictable factors rather than individual genius.
- Russia’s Identity Crisis: The novel explores the tension between Russian tradition and European influence, asking whether Russia should embrace Western ideals or remain true to its unique culture.
Questions & Discussion
- How does Tolstoy blur the line between fiction and history in War and Peace ?
Reflect on how historical figures like Napoleon interact with fictional characters like Pierre and Andrei. - What makes Pierre Bezukhov a compelling hero?
Discuss how Pierre’s internal struggles reflect broader themes of fate, free will, and the search for meaning. - How does General Kutuzov’s strategy challenge Enlightenment ideals about war?
Explore how patience and non-action serve as effective tactics against Napoleon’s forces. - Why does Tolstoy interrupt the narrative with essays on history and free will?
Analyze how these philosophical interludes deepen the reader’s understanding of the novel’s themes. - Is Tolstoy correct in criticizing the “great man” theory of history?
Debate whether history is shaped more by individuals or collective forces.
Suggested Reading
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (Constance Garnett or Pevear & Volokhonsky translations)
- “Wisdom and Folly in War and Peace” (First Things article)
Next Episode
Episode 18: Joan of Arc: Don’t Send a Man to Do a Woman’s Job
Description
In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, an unexpected and deeply admired work from the celebrated author. They explore Twain’s fascination with Joan’s extraordinary life, her divine visions, and her rise from an illiterate peasant to a military leader who reshaped the course of French history. Emily and Tim discuss Joan’s divine mission, her legendary victories, and the tragic betrayal that led to her martyrdom. Emily also delivers a hot take on why Joan of Arc should not be seen as a feminist icon—but rather as a singular figure whose story transcends modern labels.
Show Guide
00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request
01:36 Mark Twain’s Surprising Admiration for Joan of Arc
07:18 Setting the Historical Context: France After Agincourt
12:45 Joan’s Early Life: Divine Voices and Early Trials
18:09 The Path to the Dauphin: Courage Against All Odds
24:30 Military Leadership: The Siege of Orléans and Beyond
33:10 Betrayal and Trial: The Injustice of Joan’s Martyrdom
42:00 Mark Twain’s Perspective on Joan’s Legacy
50:15 Emily’s Hot Take: Joan of Arc Was Not a Feminist Icon
55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
Key Topics & Takeaways
- Mark Twain’s Devotion to Joan: Twain, despite his agnosticism and anti-Catholic leanings, called Joan the “most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced” and spent over a decade researching her life.
- Joan’s Divine Mission: Guided by visions of St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine, Joan’s mission to liberate France from English rule defied all expectations.
- Military Genius Without Training: Joan’s ability to inspire her troops and lead strategic victories, such as at Orléans, marked her as a singular figure in military history.
- The Injustice of Her Trial: Joan’s sham trial, betrayal by the Burgundians, and execution as a heretic highlight the political machinations behind her martyrdom.
- A Legacy Beyond Feminism: Emily argues that Joan’s significance lies in her divine mission and unparalleled conviction, not in modern feminist interpretations.
Questions & Discussion
- How does Joan of Arc challenge modern perceptions of leadership?
Explore how her humility and faith-based mission contrast with contemporary ideals of power and influence. - What makes Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc unique among his works?
Reflect on Twain’s shift from satire to heartfelt admiration in crafting this historical narrative. - How did Joan’s military strategy inspire her troops?
Analyze her insistence on bold, decisive action and the morale she fostered among her soldiers. - What role did faith play in Joan’s leadership and martyrdom?
Consider how her religious conviction fueled her actions and shaped her ultimate legacy. - Should Joan of Arc be seen as a feminist icon?
Debate Emily’s hot take that Joan’s mission was rooted in divine obedience rather than gender equality.
Suggested Reading
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/hot-takes-on-the-classics-604135/episode-17-on-war-by-clausewitz-the-years-that-war-changed-86204935"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to episode 17: on war by clausewitz: the years that war changed on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy