[Marxism] Marxist works on militaries?

Lüko Willms lueko.willms at t-online.de
Fri Oct 20 03:55:43 MDT 2006


On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:47:26 -0700 (PDT), D.W. wrote:

> Can anyone recommend Marxist theoretical or historical works on
> militaries?

   Frederic Engels earned himself the nickname "General" because of his 
knowledge of military matters. He authored all the military-related 
articles which Marx submitted to the "American Encyclopedia" project of 
New York editor Dana. 

   Engels also wrote many news articles on current wars; he was e.g. 
contracted to write for the London "Pall Mall" on the 
Prussian/German-French war of 1870. Remarkable is also his "Po and 
Rhein". Also note his article on how military strategy and tactics is 
determined by the weaponry available (can't remember the title of that 
article off-hand). 

   Then Karl Liebknecht, a great socialist's greater son, who wrote 
about militarism. 

   And of course Leo Trotsky, the founder and leader of the Soviet Red 
Army during the Russian civil war -- here I have the five volume series 
"The Military Writings and Speeches of Leon Trotsky", published in 1979 
by New Park Publishers. 

   Finally, the writings and speeches of Cuban and Vietnamese leaders, 
and always keep in mind the famous phrase by Prussion military 
theoretician Clausewitz: "War is the continuation of politics by other 
means", and -- what I learned especially from Trotsky's writings on the 
civil war -- that the war is also won to a large extent by political 
means. 

   Hope that helps. Sorry for being so overwhelming... 


Yours, 
Lüko Willms
Frankfurt, Germany
--------------------------------
visit http://www.mlwerke.de Marx, Engels, Luxemburg, Lenin, Trotzki in German



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