MWI Podcast: Clausewitz and the war in Ukraine

What is Russia’s political object in its war against Ukraine? What is Ukraine’s position? And if these are fundamentally irreconcilable, what developments could still end the war?

These questions are formulated in relation to the ideas put forward by the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz two hundred years ago. These ideas – and others from Clausewitz’ In war— provide a powerful lens through which to view the war in Ukraine. This episode of MWI Podcast uses this perspective. John Amble is supported by Dr. Donald Stoker, a historian and professor at the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University and author of Clausewitz: His life and work.

Stoker describes the political outcome each side of the war is seeking and explores how far each side can – and should – go militarily to achieve that outcome. He also discusses the specific reasons why a path to peace remains elusive and the challenges of creating a sustainable peace. Throughout the conversation, he applies Clausewitz’s ideas to the conflict – from identifying Russia’s center of gravity to considering the Ukrainian theory of victory – to provide listeners with a unique perspective on the war.

The MWI Podcast is produced through an endowment generously funded by the West Point Class of 1974. You can listen to this episode of the podcast below, and if you haven’t subscribed yet, be sure to look for it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode. While you’re there, please take a moment to leave the podcast a rating or review!

Note: The discussion in this episode builds on ideas that Stoker, along with Dr. Michael W. Campbell, developed in a recent article in Military Strategy Magazineentitled “Clausewitz, Theory and the End of the Ukraine War”, which you can read here.