Sun Tzu said that “to subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill,” while Clausewitz stated that “since in war too small an effort can result not just in failure but in positive harm, each side is driven to outdo the other, which sets up an interaction.” Are these statements contradictory or complementary? What are the dangers of adhering to only one of these statements? How does it affect their preferred choice of Center of Gravity? Consider these statements in light of Clausewitz’ various definitions of war: (a) “War is an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will.” (b) “War is a clash of interests which is resolved by bloodshed. That is the only way in which war differs from other conflicts.” (c) “Total non-resistance would be no war at all.”
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