Defensive
Verteidigung
Definition
The act of awaiting the enemy’s attack in order to repulse it. Clausewitz’s surprising thesis: defence is the stronger form of war — it uses terrain, fortifications, shorter lines, and the advantage of awaiting. But it has negative object (mere preservation). The ideal: begin on defence, pass to offence at the right moment.
Primary Chapters
- Book 6 — Defence (all chapters)
- Book 6 Ch 1 — Offence and Defence