Deck 3: Strategic Theory, Thomas G Mahnken

Question 1

The logic of war and strategy is not universal. This logic is not valid in different times and places because human nature develops over time.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Strategy has which of the following characteristics?

A) It is about how to win wars.
B) It is a key link between military force and political objectives.
C) It is more an art than a science.
D) All of the options given are correct.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Gen. Carl von Clausewitz posited that warfare is a 'paradoxical trinity' made up of which three elements?

A) Violence, diplomacy, and economics
B) Motion, friction, and stasis
C) Passion, probability, and reason
D) Limited, unlimited, and status quo aims

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Clausewitz drew a distinction between limited and unlimited wars. In essence, wars of the first type are fought over territory, while those of the second type are fought to overthrow the opponent's government or force unconditional surrender.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes Clausewitz's concept of 'the rational calculus of war'?

A) A state should only embark upon war under absolutely optimal conditions.
B) When they start a war, leaders believe that they are making a rational decision, but war is inherently irrational.
C) There should be a relationship between the value that a state attaches to the ends it seeks to obtain in warfare and the means which it uses to achieve those ends.
D) All of the options given are correct.

Question 6

Clausewitz used this term to describe those assets key to an enemy's ability to survive and carry out warfare. A successful belligerent can attack and seize or destroy these assets. Examples of such assets could include the enemy's army, capital, leader, and public opinion. What is the term?

A) Major holdings
B) Centres of gravity
C) Vital national interests
D) Critical assets

Question 7

Clausewitz used the term 'friction' to describe the problems that separate war in theory from war in reality. These problems make simple activities difficult. Sources of trouble can include the physical environment (such as weather) and lack of knowledge concerning events.

Question 8

The ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu argues which of the following in his Art of War?

A) Defeating your enemy's strategy and destroying their will to fight are preferable to crushing their army in battle.
B) The outcome of war can be known in advance to leaders who make an accurate estimate of the situation which they are facing.
C) Intelligence tends not to be valuable in warfare, as it often is flawed or misleading.
D) Defeating your enemy's strategy and destroying their will to fight are preferable to crushing their army in battle and the outcome of war can be known in advance to leaders who make an accurate estimate of the situation which they are facing.

Question 9

Clausewitz and Sun Tzu tend to differ in their analysis in which of the following respects?

A) Sun Tzu argues that warfare should always be strictly limited, but Clausewitz argues for unlimited warfare.
B) Clausewitz is a proponent of deception, but Sun Tzu is not.
C) Sun Tzu sees overwhelming force as the best way to successfully conclude a conflict, but Clausewitz prefers to avoid battle.
D) Sun Tzu is more optimistic concerning the value of intelligence than is Clausewitz.

Question 10

Mao's theory of warfare…

A) is summarized in his famous book, Revolutionary Tactics, which continues to influence contemporary Chinese military operations.
B) offers a blueprint for insurgents to defeat a strong power through a protracted revolutionary war.
C) rejects the argument that social, political, and economic developments can have a decisive impact on the outcome of a conflict between a stronger power and a much weaker force.
D) has had limited influence on revolutionary movements outside of China.