Approximating absolute war: The transformation of Prusso-German force structure under Helmuth von Moltke the elder. Issue 4 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miyata, Francis; Nicholson, John
• Is Part Of: Comparative strategy. Volume 40:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 417
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: International relations -- Periodicals; Strategy -- Periodicals; 327
• DOI: 10.1080/01495933.2021.1939616
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-5933

Abstract

Abstract: The following essay will serve as a historical case study on sound theory as the basis of strategic decision making. The argument is that Helmuth von Moltke the elder undertook a systematic transformation of the Prussian force structure to make his wars approximate Carl von Clausewitz's philosophical abstraction of absolute war. That is, he sought to reorganize the Great General Staff (GGS) to produce an instantaneous discharge of force, both immediate and decisive in its results. In doing so, he produced a military strategy to overcome the geopolitical perils inhering in the nascent Prusso-German state, resulting ultimately in the unification of Germany. We then briefly relate the deductive lessons on the relationship between strategic theory and practice evidenced by Moltke to the contemporary crisis of Anglo-American theory.