Clausewitz and Chaos: Friction in War and Military Policy by way of Stephen J.

Clausewitz and Chaos: Friction in War and Military Policy by way of Stephen J. Cimbala. Praeger Publishers (http://www.greenwood.com/imprints/index.asp?ImprintID=I8), 88 station Road West, West-port, Connecticut 06881-5007 2000 240 pages, $6800

This volume is yet another endorsement of Clausewitz's military theory--specifically, his descriptive analysis of friction in war. It attempts to draw contours between "classical" Clausewitzian military theory and contemporary chaos theory. Thus, it is the union of couple schools of thought--one that has stood the proof of time and acquired nearly biblical prestige in military and political circles, and the same that is struggling to make a mark. Stephen Cimbala may appear to be putting just discovered wine in old wineskins, nevertheless the old skins still work fine.

The author's message is clear that friction has always been part of strategy, politics, and war. It is still a fundamental reality of those processe and will remain in such a manner in the future. As Clausewitz noted, it is the difference between "war upon paper" and war. Depending forward one's perspective, friction both plagues and benefits deterrence crisis management, and peace operations. Friction applies to revolutions in military affairs. Despite programmatic attempts to argue otherwise, technology cannot eliminate friction or calm accommodate it. This is because friction schools friction. Although some technologies may address near forms of friction, they will bring into being other friction in the process

For example, a classic national endeavor involves eliminating political friction militarily, military friction economically, or economic friction politically. Then, of course, undivided finds many variations on that theme. Historically, however, the be the effect is more friction, sooner or later. Gimbala points to various historical case studies to evince the point. In addition, he focuses forward present-day conflicts to argue that friction is here to stay.

Readers looking for a solution to this dilemma will be disappointed, and rightly with equal reason No solution exists. Gimbala argues that soldiers and politicians alike must always appreciate the existence of friction and its importance in all activities. Simply knowing that friction exists can help predict its effects--and, hopefully plan accordingly.

All this may be no more far-reaching or illuminating than Clausewitz's original description, and Cimbala may be guilty of overstating the obvious and making the simple more complex--thus adding friction himself. Moreover, purist Clausewitz disciples, no doubt, will direct the eye for inaccurate interpretations and applications. Clausewitz and Chaos, however, is effective in making the reader think about friction, and that, after all, is Cimbala's purpose

...

Home