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Activity Quote by Carl von Clausewitz

“Rather than comparing [war] to art we could more accurately compare it to commerce, which is also a conflict of human interests and activities; and it is still closer to politics, which in turn may be considered as a kind of commerce on a larger scale.” quote by Carl von Clausewitz
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“Rather than comparing [war] to art we could more accurately compare it to commerce, which is also a conflict of human interests and activities; and it is still closer to politics, which in turn may be considered as a kind of commerce on a larger scale.”

Carl von Clausewitz

About This Quote

War is fundamentally a struggle over resources and power, akin to economic competition, and both are extensions of political objectives on a broader scale.

In simple terms: War as economic conflict

Key Takeaway

War mirrors commerce and politics

Themes

politics economics conflict power society

Mood

analytical critical thought‑provoking

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military strategy analysis
  • political science coursework
  • business negotiation training
  • historical war studies

Key Concepts

resource competition statecraft strategic interest

Practical Applications

  • comparative analysis of war and market dynamics
  • policy formulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does viewing war as commerce change our moral assessment?
  • What implications does this view have for modern geopolitical strategies?
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