Qualitative and Quantitative Considerations in Examination of War - Essay Example

Qualitative and Quantitative Considerations in Examination of War The word examination has two meanings. One meaning is systematic questioning and the second meaning is close examination. It refers to the quantitative and qualitative considerations that must be taken into account. According to Clausewitz war is the continuation of politics by other means. War is the mobilization of national power to achieve political objectives, which have been translated into strategic military objectives, by mixing the material factors of economic capacity, technological capacity, transportation, etc.

, and immaterial factors like national will, will of the ruler and resilience ( Note: Considerations for the Study of War 2010). The military strategic policy of the state will explain how the task is to be accomplished. Every state will go to war with a strategic policy which may be written or may be an ambition of the ruler. So, the aim of war is the most important qualitative consideration. The aim of war can also be limited or unlimited. War has a dual nature, according to Clausewitz. One is the objective reality and the other is the subjective reality.

The objective nature of war refers to the common things in war, i.e. violence, fear, danger, fortune, etc. The subjective nature of war refers to tactics, weapons capabilities etc. of the particular armed force. Kings, feudal lords, military leaders and others waged war in the past in their own way. They conducted war differently using different means with different aims. ( Note: Considerations for the Study of War 2010). A universal effective strategy is not possible in war. This is because material and immaterial factors interact continuously in war.

As said in the beginning, every war has a political aim and so the character of war is determined by the political objectives, which is modified in consideration of practical realities of the contest. So, in conclusion, it can be said that every war is unique and requires its own strategy. Works Cited Note: Considerations for the Study of War . December 6, 2010. http://desaxx.blogspot.com/2010/09/considerations-for-study-of-war.html (accessed May 6, 2011).