Overview

This study is based on a detailed textual analysis of the classical works on war by Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao Tse-tung and, to a lesser extent, by Jomini and Machiavelli. The central conclusion is that the logic of waging war and of strategic thinking is as universal and timeless as human nature itself. This third revised and expanded edition contains five new chapters. One of these concerns Clausewitz' insights into the problem of war termination. Another is dedicated to the importance of correctly identifying the nature of war. The author has also added a chapter on Corbett's naval strategy, the relation of his work to the spirit of that of Sun Tzu, and in particular the issue of limited war and war by limited contingency.

Full Product Details

Author:   Michael I. Handel
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   3rd edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 3.40cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   1.008kg
ISBN:  

9780714681320

ISBN 10:   0714681326
Pages:   510
Publication Date:   29 September 2000
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Selected Contents: 1. Strategy: Past Theories, Modern Practice 2. Comparing Sun Tzu and Clausewitz 3. The Definition of War: A Question of the Level of Analysis 4. Clausewitz and Mao Tse-tung on Theory and Practice in War 5. ‘Attacking the Enemy’s Plans’ and the Concept of ‘The Center of Gravity’: Eastern Psychology and Western Mechanics 6.The Primacy of Politics and the Military Commander 7. The Rational Calculus of War: Correlating End and Means 8. Clausewitz on the Role of ‘Moral Forces’ in War 9. The Supreme Act of Judgment: Understanding the ‘Nature of War’ and the ‘Trinitarian Analysis’ 10. The First Element of the Remarkable Trinity: The People in Arms 11. The Ideal and the Real: Victory without Bloodshed and the Search for the Decisive Battle 12. Speed, Numerical Superiority, and Victory 13. The Principle of Continuity and the Culminating Point of Victory: The Contradictory Nature of War 14. Clausewitz on War Termination 15. Deception, Surprise, and Intelligence 16. On Military Leadership 17. Boldness and Calculation 18. Corbett, Clausewitz and Sun Tzu 19. Conclusions: Towards a Unified Theory of War

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