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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000000417794 | UA23.G73 1990 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
On Order
Reviews 3
Publisher's Weekly Review
Gray's impressively broad study defines what strategy is, how it has been applied and misapplied throughout history, and explains its role in the apparent Western victory in the Cold War. Five interrelated themes dominate the book: the unity of strategic phenomena, the influence of geography, the value of historical experience, the influence of national culture and the consequences of technological change in relation to strategy and statecraft. With frequent reference to Karl von Clausewitz, Alfred Mahan and other writers on strategy, Gray offers historical examples of strategy in action. He notes, for instance, that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was an operational masterpiece but a strategic catastrophe, and that basic strategic doctrine was all but ignored by the U.S. throughout the Vietnam War. Calling for a holistic appreciation of strategy, he argues persuasively that strategic planning in the U.S. needs to be more inclusive. An authoritative addition to the thin shelf of books on this important subject, by the president of the National Institute for Public Policy and author of Nuclear Strategy and National Style. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Choice Review
Gray, a widely respected authority in the fields of strategic studies and national security, has given readers yet another gem. Most of the volume deals with political-military strategic concepts and concerns. As Gray points out, strategy is not just a wartime concern. Indeed, it is often a more important concern of statecraft during periods of nonviolent conflict. The last four chapters deal primarily with post-WW II strategic considerations. Gray asserts that the Soviet Union's strategic policies are more a product of geography and history than of ideology. Hence, the Cold War is not necessarily over, rather it has taken a new twist. In addition, although nuclear and thermonuclear weapons are indeed awesome, they have not altered the fundamental principles of political-military strategy. From this perspective, the future is more likely to resemble the past than some "Brave New World." The book is well written and well documented. It should be required reading for all students and faculty in the military academies, which offer too few courses in strategy. It can serve as a valuable text in upper-division and graduate courses in international politics, national security, strategic studies, and military history; and it is a must acquisition for professional and university libraries. -A. C. Tuttle, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Library Journal Review
This is an excellent work on diplomacy. Well-known as a knowledgeable though controversially conservative specialist on strategic thought, Gray here offers his prescriptions for appropriate foreign policy behavior. The book is well written and free of undue academic jargon. Although his focus is on U.S. security problems, Gray explores an impressive variety of strategic issues. Based on a wide range of historical examples, this book is not likely to become outdated in the next few years, as many comparable texts will. A useful acquisition for any international affairs collection.--Richard Weitz, Harvard (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
