The strategy bridge: theory for practice

"The book presents the theory, rather than merely comments on the theory as developed by others. The author explains that the purpose of strategy is to connect purposefully politics and policy with the instruments they must use. The primary focus of attention is on military strategy, but this focus is well nested in discussion of grand strategy, for which military strategy is only one strand. The book presents the general theory of strategy comprehensively and explains the utility of this general theory for the particular strategies that strategists need to develop in order to meet their historically unique challenges. The book argues that strategy's general theory provides essential education for practicing strategists at all times and in all circumstances. As general theory, The Strategy Bridge is as relevant to understanding strategic behaviour in the Peloponnesian War as it is for the conflicts of the twenty-first century."--Provided by publisher.

Introduction : Surviving Clausewitz -- The theory of strategy, I : enduring nature, changing character -- The theory of strategy, II : construction, execution, and consequences -- Politics, war, and strategy -- Problems with strategy : often a bridge too far -- The product : strategic effect -- Strategy, strategists, and command performance : joining up the dots -- Conclusion : bandit country and the strategist's quest for control -- Appendices. A. The dicta of strategy ; B. General strategic theory, the classical canon ; C. Conceptual 'Hueys' at Thermopylae? The challenge of strategic anachronism ; D. Potent trinities : fourteen skeleton keys of theory for the strategist.