Carl Phillip Gottlieb von Clausewitz (June 1, 1780 - November 16, 1831) was a Prussian military thinker.

He attained the rank of Major-General in the Prussian Military, and is famous for writing the military strategy book Vom Kriege (On War), first published in 1832.

Despite never completing (On War), his ideas have been widely influential in military theory.

He is perhaps most quoted on the idea that war -- violent military action -- is only the 'strong arm' of diplomacy, utilized when more peaceful means of persuasion are not sufficient.

He married Countess Marie von Brühl.

See also: Famous military writers

External link

Further reading

  • Karl Von Clausewitz, edited with introduction by Anatol Rapoport, On War, Viking Penguin, 1982, paperback, 464 pages, ISBN 0140444270