Napoleon’s disastrous retreat from Moscow (1812)
There is, of course, no pat formula for how to avoid plunging over the cliff to defeat. That said, here is one thing you need to remember. Clausewitz’s “culminating point” should serve as a cautious reminder for every decision-maker from squad leaders in fire fights to the commanders of global coalitions. Commanders that pass their culminating point of victory might still find a way to win. Conversely, risk-averse leaders might find a way to fail while they still have bullets and beans aplenty. Let us explain.