This paper analyzes the strategic leadership of George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein in the framework of the so-called second Gulf War, in the light of Clausewitz's classic theory.The factors that influenced the formation of these leaders and how their leaderships were evidenced during the conflict are examined.Finally, some conclusions are proposed about the type of leadership observed, its relationship with institutionalism and how it was a fundamental element in their bets and strategies during the development of the conflict.