Book I, On the Nature of War, Chapters I-II Summary and Analysis

Book I discusses the nature of war. Clausewitz places it first because one must always consider the whole whenever one analyzes any of the parts of a thing. War is defined as the event that occurs when at least two sides strive by physical force to compel the other to submit to his will. Violence is the means, submission is the final object and the disarmament of the enemy is the immediate object. For now Clausewitz will focus on disarmament.

In war, force rules; he who has more force and uses it has the advantage. Men are led to war through natural hostility and hostile intentions. War is not based in governments of civilized nations acting intelligently. War is an act of force and belongs...