Carl von Clausewitz and Contemporary International Relations Theory

“Carl von Clausewitz and Contemporary International Relations Theory”

Tobias Wille

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies & Goethe University, Frankfurt

Moderated by Jack Snyder

Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Relations

In his writings on the topic of war, Carl von Clausewitz masterfully combined practical insight with theoretical reflection. His analysis of the intimate relationship between war and politics had and still has a profound impact on military practice and on political science scholarship alike. It is thus surprising that when scholars in the political science subfield of International Relations (IR) recently turned to political practices as an object of study, they simply ignored the Prussian General. In his presentation, Wille will argue that they did so to their own detriment. As he will demonstrate, Clausewitz’ writings on war offer valuable insights into the practices of international relations. To clarify what Clausewitz can contribute to the so-called “practice turn in IR”, Wille will offer an interpretation of his theory of war as a theory of practice. He will then illustrate the analytical potential of such a theory of practice through a discussion of what Clausewitzians have written about the Vietnam War. Wille will conclude by arguing that Clausewitz can help connect the practice turn in IR, which in its current form largely builds on constructivist theorizing, to the realist tradition of international thought.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

1302 International Affairs

12:15pm-2:00pm

This event is free and open to the public

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