000			02085cam a2200193 4500
100	1		_aMEYER Eystein L.
245			_aThe centre of gravity concept: _bcontemporary theories, comparison, and implications/ _cEystein L. Meyer
260			_c2022
520			_aThis article applies grounded theory and epistemological, teleological, ontological, and methodological (ETOM) lenses to describe the prevalent contemporary theories of the centre of gravity concept, originated by Carl von Clausewitz. These include the theories of John Warden, Joe Strange & Richard Iron, Antulio Echevarria II, Milan Vego, Dale Eikmeier, and Jacob Barfoed. The article then compares the theories across 14 deduced theoretical aspects and produces a comparison matrix, that can be used as an analytical tool, and discusses implications as guidance for further research and doctrine development. The article argues that the term "centre of gravity" is polluted, and that the application of the term in military planning and doctrines requires careful attention to the specific theory being applied, so that logical consistency and clear, accurate communication is achieved. Alternatively, the concept may be removed from doctrine altogether, renovated with inclusion of a new unpolluted term, or reconstructed with removal of the centre of gravity, leaving a "critical factor analysis" concept behind. This article also provides a level of granularity to the debate about the concept, that renders critics like Paparone & Davis Jr and Zweibelson partly irrelevant and can provide a more nuanced and qualitative basis for future discussion.
650			_aMILITARY INNOVATION
650			_aSTRATEGY
650			_aOPERATIONAL ART
650			_aCENTRE OF GRAVITY _xCENTER OF GRAVITY
650			_aDOCTRINE _xMILITARY OPERATIONS PLANNING _xCOMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
773			_aDefence Studies: _gVol 22, No. 3, September 2022, pp. 327-353 (105)
598			_aMILITARY, STRATEGY
856			_uhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14702436.2022.2030715 _zClick here for full text
945			_i69350.1001 _rY _sY
999			_c42424 _d42424