Modern Strategy

Modern Strategy explains the permanent nature, but ever changing character, of strategy in light of the whole strategic experience of the twentieth century. The book is a major contribution to the general theory of strategy; it makes sense of the strategic history of the twentieth century, and provides understanding of what that strategic history implies for the century to come. The book offers a uniquely comprehensive analysis of the different facets of modern strategy. The classic writings of Carl von Clausewitz are reconsidered for their continuing relevance, while possible successors are appraised. In addition to arguing that Clausewitz figured out what strategy was, and how it worked, the book probes deeply into strategy's political, ethical, and cultural dimension. The book explains how strategic behaviour in the twentieth century has expanded from the two-dimensional world of the land and the surface of the sea, to include the ocean depths, the air, space, and most recently the 'cyberspace' environments. It also offers details analyses both of nuclear matters and of the realm of irregular violence. This is the first comprehensive account of all aspects of modern strategy since the Cold War ended and will be essential reading for all students of modern strategy and security studies.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Expanding Universe of Strategy The Dimensions of Strategy Strategy, Politics, Ethics Strategist's Toolkit: The Clausewitzian Legacy The Poverty of Modern Strategic Thought Strategic Culture as Context Windows on War Patterns in Strategic Experience The Grammar of Strategy I: Terrestrial Action The Grammar of Strategy II: Altitude and Electrons Small Wars and other Savage Violence Second Thoughts on Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons in Stategic History Strategy Eternal

About the Author :
Colin Gray is Professor of International Politics and Director of the Centre for Security Studies at the University of Hull. He is the author of numerous books on strategy, including The Navy in the Post-Cold War World: The Uses and Value of Strategic Sea (1994), Explorations in Strategy (2nd edn, 1998), and The Second Nuclear Age (forthcoming 1999).

Review :
There is much that is interesting and good in this book - Richard Hatfield - Policy Director, Ministry of Defence. R U S I Journal - June 2000 An excellent and necessary textbook for the international relations student. THES, February 2000 The Book is a dazzling accomplishment. The Washington,Times March 2000 Modern Strategy is a major contribution to our understanding of strategic theory and practice. The Washington Times, March 2000 Over the years, no writer has addressed the topic of strategy more comprehensively or systematically than Colin Gray. The Washington Times, March 2000 Modern Strategy is his finest effort to date. The Washington Times, March 2000 `Gray has been writing about, professing, or "practicing" strategy for thirty years, and whether or not you agree with him, he is among the few scholars of strategy who should never be ignored.' Mark T. Clark Director, National Security Studies, California State University. Naval War College Review, Spring 2000 `...his thesis is worth understanding; modern strategy (indeed all) strategy is still a subject worth studying. Anyone interested in learning more about it will benefit from his work.' Mark T. Clark Director, National Security. Naval War College Review, Spring 2000 "The material is so rich in allusion and reference...the approach so novel, the insights often so extraordinary...there are many "brilliant pebbles" of wisdom and insight" Naval Review, April 2001 Covers so much ground...masterfully sets out the relationship between politics, ethics and strategy....Gray's critique is considered and he always draws what is best from the theories he rejects....a dazzlingly brilliant guide to a wide range of issues...Gray writes from the perspective of an insider in the western military establishment, but even its critics will be informed, entertained and provoked by this book." Royal Institute of International Affairs, Vol 76, October 2000 'This is an outstanding contribution to strategic studies, a comprehensive placing of virtually all theorists and historians of war and strategy and is hugely thought-provoking.' Morning Star