Strategy and History: Essays on Theory and Practice

"A selection of Colin Gray's more important contributions to strategic debate, Strategy and History provides a unique perspective on the strategic history of the past thirty years. Written by a participant-observer of and in strategic controversies, the essays range widely over some hotly debated topics and address a number of issues which have contemporary relevance to strategists: the importance of history for strategic understanding today, the nature of strategy and why it is difficult to do well, the challenge of nuclear weapons, revolutions in military affairs, and arms control. Colin Gray argues strongly for the continuing significance of geography and culture and concludes by addressing the ethical assumptions which provide some useful guidance to the strategist. Ultimately the book shows how essential it is to maintain a strategic, means-ends perspective and defines strategy as a pragmatic activity. This book will be essential reading for all students of strategy, contemporary history and international relations."--BOOK JACKET.