Modern military strategy and its founders: Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz and Andre Beaufre

Abstract

At the dawn of the twenty-first century there is a widespread belief in the unique character of this moment of history, but military forces still remain a fundamental tool at the disposal of the authorities of the state which wants to play a significant role. Primary role of the armed forces of a sovereign state is still to provide military security of the state and its defence. The capacity of taking action, the nature and structure of the armed forces determines the credibility and effectiveness of national defence, the position and contribution of the state in the creation of its own and collective safety. Ensuring effective implementation of the objectives of the security policy is the subject of a military strategy. This role of strategy has been perceived by philosophers and representatives of other sciences since ancient times. Linking strategy with the policy was stressed and well-characterized by General Andre Beaufre, Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. It is a fascinating subject of studies how military leaders and decision makers from antiquity, through Middle Ages, Renaissance, to the present days implemented Sun Tzu’s lessons even without any knowledge about The Art of War’s existence, and how the ancient Chinese conclusions are similar to the those of the European prophet of strategy – Carl von Clausewitz.

Keywords

• military strategy
• Sun Tzu
• Carl von Clausewitz
• Andre Beaufre