Military Theory and the Conduct of War

Description

The question of whether there is a general, universal theory for the conduct of war has long preoccupied military thinkers, army personnel and students of conflict. Warfare has been radically transformed throughout history, under the influence of technological change. But is there anything enduring that can be determined about it, taught in military schools and applied in practice?

Azar Gat offers a fresh look at the relationship between politics and war, examining the meanings of ‘victory’, offence and defence, and the significance and role of concepts like the ‘principles of war’ and military ‘doctrine’. He analyses the successive military innovations of modernity, including the advent of nuclear weapons and the ongoing cyber and robotics revolutions of our own times. He also explains why guerrilla warfare and terrorism have grown increasingly important, and where they are heading.

With China and Russia posing a growing challenge to the global order today, Gat asks if war is truly in our nature—or if it is, in fact, declining. This is a vital text for all students of war, whether in academia, in the military or among the public at large.

Reviews

‘Eloquently presented and with an effortless flow, this is a concise but comprehensive primer on strategy. An excellent book.’ — Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy, University of Piraeus, and co-editor of Thucydides on Strategy

‘Gat offers an elegant explanation of how social scientific concepts can help homo sapiens make sense of the phenomenon of war. Well-written, engaging and concise, it offers a refreshing take on many discussions that are central in the field of war studies.’ — Tim Sweijs, Director of Research, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, and co-editor of Beyond Ukraine: Debating the Future of War

Author(s)

Azar Gat is Ezer Weitzman Chair for National Security at Tel Aviv University, and the author of war and military theory books that have been translated into many languages. His ten volumes include A History of Military Thought; War in Human Civilization; and War and Strategy in the Modern World.