The question arises whether the reversal of Clausewitz’ strategic theorem cannot be even more cruel in the end than the one he formulated. Admittedly, the laconic nature of the original statement is shocking, but there are enough historical examples that prove it right. If, however, politics is the continuation of war by other means, the shocking thing is that the motives for such a political calculation are much less evident to the public and therefore often remain incomprehensible. And this opacity is much more exposed to political manipulation than open warfare (though bad enough).