Political Control Over the Use of Force: A Clausewitzian Perspective

What is the ideal relationship between the commander and the statesman in time of war? Is there a balance to be struck between political control and military operational expertise? Given the importance of these questions, the range of answers that has been given to them by both theorists and practitioners is striking. Major Suzanne Nielsen addresses these issues by examining what Carl von Clausewitz has to say about civil-military relations and the use of force. Though Clausewitz's insight that "War is a continuation of policy" is well-known, his arguments about the appropriateness of extensive political control during time of war are not as often discussed. Clausewitz provides an argument for extensive political influence over military operations-influence that lacks a clear limit. Major Nielsen looks in depth at Clausewitz's arguments on this point.