INFLUENCE OF JOMINI ON MODERN MILITARY THOUGHT
Modern military thought has been shaped by a myriad of historical figures, strategies, and doctrines. Among the influential thinkers, Antoine-Henri Jomini stands as a pivotal figure whose ideas have left an indelible mark on the art and science of warfare. Having studied Clausewitz in reasonable detail, it was time to turn to his contemporary military theorist and arch-rival, Jomini. Rise of Napoleon and the infusion of modern military thought in Western Europe is credited to these two gentlemen Clausewitz and Jomini born a year apart in 1780 and 1779 respectively. While Jomini served on the staff of Marshall Ney, Napoleon’s Chief, Clausewitz was part of the Prussian Army which was defeated in Battle of Jena in 1805 by the French. Jomini’s theories and writings, particularly his works on strategy and tactics, have significantly impacted military thinking in the 19th and 20th centuries, with echoes of his ideas still resonating in contemporary military doctrines.
This essay delves into the effect of Jomini on modern military thought, examining his concepts, their application, and the enduring relevance of his ideas in today’s strategic landscape. Having written on the impact of these two theorists on the Military Decision-Making Process[1], it was to focus on Jomini alone especially so for his impact on modern military thought was far more widespread and transcended into maritime and air domains as well with Mahan and Douhet both adopting a Jominian approach to warfare. It may also be pertinent to mention that the language of those times was French and which Jomini used while Clausewitz wrote in German. The other issue to consider is that Jomini lived to the age of 90 much after Clausewitz and used his military writing as source of income which led him to print and reprint the same books quite often with some minor changes. On the other hand Clausewitz’s magnum opus On War would have been lost in obscurity had it not been for his wife[2] Countess Marie von Brühl who compiled and edited the book after his demise. Clausewitz was picked by the German General Staff during times of Bismarck and Helmuth von Moltke, Elder, the chief of staff of the Prussian Army for thirty years.
Antoine-Henri Jomini’s most renowned works include “Précis de l’Art de la Guerre” (The Art of War) and “Vie politique et militaire de Napoléon” (Political and Military Life of Napoleon). Jomini’s theories revolved around the principles of strategy, tactics, and the conduct of warfare. Several key ideas from his writings have significantly impacted modern military thought and are enumerated below
Lines of Operations. Jomini emphasized the importance of establishing lines of operation, strategic routes that allow an army to maneuver and maintain communication. This concept greatly influenced subsequent military planners, who recognized the significance of securing lines of communication for operational success. Jomini thought of Lines of Operations as the neural network of the body through which directions and decisions would flow leading to military action where as Lines of Communication was like the cardio-vascular system of the body through which blood flowed to keep the body fed with nutrition and oxygen, both couldn’t be ignored for success in battle.
Geography and Terrain. Jomini stressed the role of terrain in warfare, highlighting the impact of geography on strategic decisions. His insights into the influence of terrain on tactics and maneuvering laid the foundation for modern military campaigns that consider geographical features for effective planning. The idea of a Decisive Point was always geographical in Jomini’s operational planning and his belief was that if terrain was controlled the body of troops would be rendered redundant as they would be unable to fight from a position of advantage. Jomini’s principles were evident in the strategies employed by both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. The emphasis on maneuvering, concentration of force, and securing lines of communication mirrored Jomini’s ideas. Leaders like General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant drew inspiration from his writings. The effect of Jomini is visible in Gen Westmoreland’s Vietnam campaign which focused on maintaining control over terrain rather than on the cadres of Viet Cong. The transition from Jomini to Clausewitz in US Army was driven by Gen Collin Powell and its manifestation in Air Land Battle where the locus foci shifted from space centric to force-centric.
Concentration of Force. Jomini’s concept of concentrating forces at decisive points remains a cornerstone of modern military strategy. His emphasis on achieving local superiority and delivering decisive blows to the enemy has shaped doctrines that prioritize massing forces for maximum impact. The application of Jomini’s concepts can be seen in the early stages of World War I, particularly in the Schlieffen Plan adopted by Germany. The emphasis on encirclement and concentration of forces, while overlooking the impact of trenches and defensive warfare, demonstrated the limitations of strict adherence to Jomini’s principles in the face of evolving technologies and tactics. One major drawback of Jomini’s theories was their prescriptive and mathematical nature. The German offensive in World War-I was predicated on a time and space matrix which didn’t cater for the slush and its effect on mule trains and marching troops. The complexities of modern warfare also highlighted the need for adaptation beyond Jomini’s framework.
Importance of Objective. Jomini underscored the necessity of clearly defined objectives in military campaigns. This idea has permeated modern warfare, where clear mission objectives guide tactical and operational decisions. Jomini’s emphasis on the offense as the decisive factor in warfare has often been criticized for disregarding the importance of defense, especially in the context of modern defensive technologies and strategies.
Unity of Command. Jomini advocated for a single, unified command structure to ensure effective coordination of forces. This principle, adopted widely in modern militaries, seeks to prevent confusion and enhance operational efficiency. Jomini’s contribution to preparation of leaders and their grooming was key to success of Professional Military Education both in France and Russia where Jomini defected to and was instrumental in laying the foundation of Russian General Staff in 1832[3]. Jomini served as an advisor during the Russo-Turkish War (1828–1829). Modern military thought emphasizes the need for flexibility, adaptability and a comprehensive approach to conflict. While Jomini’s principles provide a framework, they may not fully address the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare with Directive Style of Command being the order of the day with delayering of the battle space.
Conclusion. Antoine-Henri Jomini’s impact on modern military thought is undeniable. His theories, rooted in the context of his time, laid the groundwork for strategic planning, tactics, and the conduct of warfare that persisted through the 19th and 20th centuries. While his principles have been adapted and critiqued in light of modern complexities, Jomini’s legacy endures in the core concepts that underpin military operations. As warfare continues to evolve, Jomini’s ideas serve as a reminder of the enduring principles that guide military thinking, even as they are blended with contemporary strategies and doctrines.
[1] https://www.claws.in/publication/clausewitz-and-jomini-contrast-of-dogmas-combined-in-military-decision-making-process-mdmp/
[2] Bellinger, Vanya Eftimova. Marie von Clausewitz : the Woman Behind the Making of On War. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2016. Pg 23.
[3] https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199791279/obo-9780199791279-0089.xml accessed on 22 Aug 23.
