Grievous exclaiming, “General Kenobi,” is definitely one of the most quoted lines in all of the Star Wars saga, and while taking up a wartime mandate might have been detrimental to the Jedi Order as a whole, the moniker of “General” might be one of the best descriptors that could be given to Obi-Wan. His ability to command, lead and fight all make him one of the top Force-wielding generals during Star Wars’ war-heavy prequel era.
The sequel trilogy also features plenty of combat, but because of the obsoleteness of the Jedi, there weren’t many Force-wielding leaders. Luke was AWOL, Snoke wasn’t directly involved and Palpatine was presumed dead until the very end. That means that Kylo Ren was the only Force-wielding leader from that time period. So, let’s compare these two Force-wielding leaders and see who was most effective – Kenobi or Kylo.
Kylo’s Force-Potential Outclasses Obi-Wan’s
The first comparison that needs to be made between these two is Force-potential. Obi-Wan was a powerful Jedi, but he was not a naturally gifted Jedi. In fact, when he wasn’t chosen as a padawan soon enough, he was almost sent to the AgriCorps to be a farmer rather than a Jedi. Kylo Ren, on the other hand, was the son of Han Solo and Leia. His last name might have been Solo, but he carried the Skywalker blood from his mother’s side. That means that his potential was unlimited.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Was The Master of Soresu; Kylo Was The Master Of Nothing
Both Kenobi and Kylo were notable lightsaber combatants, but the comparison between them is almost not even necessary. Obi-Wan was known as “the master of Soresu.” It was a defensive combat form that allowed him to defeat General Grievous, Darth Maul (for the second time) and many other adversaries over the years. Kylo Ren, on the other hand, is better known for his lightsaber’s design than for his combat prowess. His track record is that bad. He lost to an inexperienced Rey on a few occasions and would have been killed by Snoke’s Praetorian Guard had Rey not saved him.
Kylo’s Machiavellian Motivation Was Truly Sithish, While Kenobi Was His Usual, Jedi Self
A leader’s ability to motivate his troops is paramount to any military operation. Unsurprisingly, Kenobi and Kylo’s choice of motivation tactics both were directly in line with their respective views of the Force. As a Jedi, Obi-Wan connected with his clone troopers over his years as a general and was well-liked among them. From a practical standpoint, he was willing to fight alongside them through thick and thin as they fought together for a greater cause. In direct contrast, Kylo Ren, like any Sith (or Sith wannabe) motivated his troops through fear. It didn’t matter what his troops thought or whether they liked him; all that mattered was obedience. Both tactics were effective, just very different.
Kylo’s Personal Vendettas Hindered His Ability to Command
Obi-Wan had many years of leadership experience during the Clone Wars as a Jedi General and was often very successful against the Separatists. Kylo, however, never really had the same experience or success. In fact, the only time on screen where he was in absolute command, he botched his assignment. Namely, on Crait, he was so focused on killing the Luke hologram that he lost sight of capturing or killing the Resistance fighters. He could have destroyed the whole Resistance, but his personal vendetta against his uncle got in the way.
Kenobi Vs. Kylo – The Results
Looking at the tale of the tape: Kylo had more Force-potential, while Kenobi was the better combatant, and their respective motivation tactics were both successful. So, the biggest difference between the two, and the factor that determines who is the more effective leader, is their ability to command. Obi-Wan is far and away the better battlefield commander, but to be honest, a lot of that comes with his experience. If Kylo hadn’t sacrificed himself in The Rise of Skywalker, he might have become a great leader just like Kenobi. But as it stands, General Kenobi is still one of the best leaders that Star Wars has to offer.
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