The classic work of the outstanding theorist of military science Karl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) examines the nature of war. A deep philosophical vision of this social phenomenon is combined with an analysis of the key problems of the strategy and tactics of military operations and generalizations of an eyewitness who participated in the largest battles of his time. The historical role and modern significance of Clausewitz's ideas are revealed in the preface of the doctor of military sciences, Army General V.N. Lobov. Intended for specialists in the field of military affairs, command personnel of the armed forces, representatives of historical and socio-philosophical sciences, political, state and public figures. Of interest to the widest circle of readers.