Masters of War : Classical Strategic Thought
by Michael I. Handel
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This is the first comprehensive study based on a detailed textual analysis of the classical works on war by Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao Tse-tung, and to a lesser extent, Jomini and Machiavelli. Brushing stereotypes aside, the author takes a fresh look at what these strategic thinkers actually said--not what they are widely believed to have said. He finds that despite their apparent differences in terms of time, place, cultural background, and level of material/technological development, all had show more much more in common than previously supposed. In fact, the central conclusion of this book 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 includes five new chapters and some new charts and diagrams. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Read pages 1-52 and 155-164 of this book while at the NWC in August 2023.
From the S&W syllabus: Handel, a former professor in the Strategy and Policy Department, argues that despite differences in emphasis and substance, a universal or unified strategic logic transcends the wide gaps in time, culture, and historical experience that separate nations. Students are encouraged to challenge Handel’s thesis and assess the extent to which culture might influence planning and operations. Other chapters, appendices, and charts in this book are assigned later in the course.
From the S&W syllabus: Handel, a former professor in the Strategy and Policy Department, argues that despite differences in emphasis and substance, a universal or unified strategic logic transcends the wide gaps in time, culture, and historical experience that separate nations. Students are encouraged to challenge Handel’s thesis and assess the extent to which culture might influence planning and operations. Other chapters, appendices, and charts in this book are assigned later in the course.
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223 works; 1 member
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18 Works 339 Members
Michael I. Handel is Professor Strategy at the US Naval War College. A joint founding editor of the journal Intelligence and National Security, he is the author or editor of many published works.
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- Canonical title
- Masters of War : Classical Strategic Thought
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- Members
- 211
- Popularity
- 154,218
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.70)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 8
- ASINs
- 4
