Clausewitz Glossary — Core Concepts
The 40 concepts that define Clausewitz’s system. Each term links to a standalone page with its definition, primary chapter references, and modern doctrinal usage.
The Four Pillars
- Trinity — passion / chance / reason — the paradoxical trinity
- Friction — the friction-of-war: why real war diverges from plans
- Center of Gravity — the hub of all power; modern joint doctrine’s Schwerpunkt
- Culminating Point — where offensive force expires and defense begins
Nature of War
- Absolute War vs. Real War
- War as Continuation of Policy
- Political Object
- Fog of War
- Chance in War
- Probability in War
The Commander
- Military Genius (coup d’œil, determination)
- Coup d’Œil
- Boldness
- Perseverance
- Will
Moral Forces
Strategy
- Economy of Forces
- Concentration of Forces
- Strategic Reserve
- Superiority of Numbers
- Surprise
- Stratagem
- Decisive Point
- Manœuvring
Attack / Defense
- Offensive
- Defensive
- Attack in Relation to Defence
- Theatre of War
- Base of Operations
- Lines of Communication