Critical Issues Review #2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical Issues Review #2 - Essay Example In identifying future strategy for imminent war, Clausewitz states that a determination of necessary resources will entail an examination of the political aims of both the potential warring states; the strength and nature of political aims and the abilities of government and people of both.2 It is also necessary to factor into this equation, the political sympathies of other states and the implications of war on the directly warring states as well as other states which may be affected by it, which in itself is a colossal task and thus requires flexibility in military planning and execution. Moltke;s views on war strategy were also in line with Clausewitz, in that he accepts the major role played by chance and uncertainty, and also the existence of a moral element in war which contributes towards victory. However, he differed from Clausewitz in his belief that politics and war cannot be mingled with each other; policy should not be the guiding force that influences military operations. In his view, â€Å"policy uses war for the attainment of its goals; it works decisively at the beginning and end of war† but where strategy is concerned, it â€Å"works best for the goals of policy, but in its actions is fully independent of policy.3 Thus, according to Moltke, while it is likely that policy decisions may set out the initial objectives of war, once war has been declared, political ends are to be achieved only through military means; battle becomes the single means for military and grand national strategy. Machiavelli recognizes the importance of adaptability, in view of its changing nature of war and offers the view that â€Å"he errs the least and will be most favored by fortune who suits his proceedings to the times† and illustrates this with the examples of Hannibal and Scipio.4 Machiavelli points out that the ability of