Nineteenth century Prussian military theorist, Carl von Clausewitz, wrote that “the great uncertainty of all data in War is a peculiar difficulty, because all action must, to a certain extent, be planned in a mere twilight, which in addition not infrequently – like the effect of a fog or moonshine – gives to things exaggerated dimensions and an unnatural appearance” (On War, 104). The “fog of war”, in other words, often obscures objective knowledge and leaves the practitioner of war to rely on talent or the favour of fortune for victory… turns out, grad school often works the same way. Before entering a program, the mission seems clear and objectives easily attainable. After commencing studies, however, this clarity is lost, and in the vortex of information and knowledge that you never knew you needed, a veritable fog descends. You begin to question what your purpose in grad studies – nay – life, is. Hence “the blog of war,” an effort to commiserate, contemplate, connect and overcome the uncertainty. This blog is a forum for our and trials and triumphs, our achievements and successes. We are students in the field of security, sharing our stories in the hope that our experiences can clear the fog and provide insight into graduate life as we know it.
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