This edition of the U. S. Army War College Guide to National Security Policy and Strategy continues to reflect the structure and approach of the core national security strategy and policy curriculum at the War College. The fourth edition is published in two volumes that correspond roughly to the Department of National Security and Strategy's core courses: "Theory of War and Strategy" and "National Security Policy and Strategy." Like previous editions, this one is largely an expansion of its predecessor rather than a major rewriting. About a quarter of the chapters are new, and several others have undergone significant rewrites or updates. However, approximately half of the book remains unchanged. Although this is not primarily a textbook, it does reflect both the method and manner we use to teach strategy formulation to America's future senior leaders. The book is not a comprehensive or exhaustive treatment of either strategic theory or the policymaking process. Both volumes are organized to proceed from the general to the specific. Thus the first volume opens with general thoughts on the nature and theory of war and strategy, proceeds to look at the complex aspect of power, and concludes with specific theoretical issues. Similarly, the second volume begins by examining the policy/strategy process, moves to a look at the strategic environment, and concludes with some specific issues. This edition adds several short case studies that can be used to illustrate the primary material in the volume.
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The older edition that I read followed more of a process:
analyzing the strategic environment
consulting values
deciding upon interests and grading them
developing a policy
developing a grand strategy
determining how to use each instrument of power (a strategy for each, such as a military strategy)
performing a risk assessment
augmenting the means, ways, or ends
I wouldn't say that the organization of that edition was perfect either, but in this new one, the discussion of ethics and defining interests comes in Vol. 2!! While a complete and exhausting list of strategic thinkers is placed as the second article! And specific strategies for the Navy, Air Force, and even SPACE make the first volume!
(excuse all the exclamation marks, but I was really flabbergasted.)
The quality of writing is also less eloquent in the new articles.
Simple things like 'victory,' are made difficult.
Some articles are redundant (with two named National Power).
Does anyone feel me here?
A Muslim,
"Unfortunately, the world is not as lovey dovey as we would all like. Someone has to be the one who sets the rules of the game."
Brother, I'm well aware of our nature and the rules of the game. I'd just offer a different approach.
And for the record, I retract my dig on classiness. I hope that perhaps you are as classy as Saladin.
"It's a dog eat dog world out there."
Unless we break through the static of our deeply held beliefs. I'd offer mutual respect-you pray to your God and I pray to mine. Simultaneously, through reciprocity, we work on making the world better for our children.
Unfortunately, the world is not as lovey dovey as we would all like.
Someone has to be the one who sets the rules of the game.
And by the way, I like to think of myself as a classy guy. But, like Saladin and the Crusaders, we probably won't be getting to know each other over a cup of Turkish Coffee.
It's a dog eat dog world out there.
A Muslim stated,
"You can just consider me a contemporary Saladin. I'll try to keep within the limits of chivalry with my Crusader opponents, but I don't think we will see eye to eye on anything."
As my brother in the hood once asked,
"Why can't we all just get along?"
Furthered by Fida (paraphrased),
"This is getting ridiculous."
Saladin had class.
Maj K
I agree that most of the stuff was useful, but it's just the organization and the presentation.
SWJED
As for the living room...haha.
You can just consider me a contemporary Saladin.
I'll try to keep within the limits of chivalry with my Crusader opponents, but I don't think we will see eye to eye on anything.
A Muslim,
I partly disagree. I think its a very valuable guide that mostly serves its purpose. Remember, its the first volume of a strategic course that only covers theory. I don't think its 'nitty-gritty' - it covers a lot of the foundational aspects of strategy development.
It's issues, in my opinion, do relate to some of the topics though: the 5-rings EBO stuff (rather see it replaced with a good essay on CvC's COG, CV, CC) and the Net Centric stuff - are we still looking for an RMA?
I'm glad the Systems Thinking article is in there but it would be better replaced maybe with a Systemic Operational Design primer. The same ties back to CvC could still be made as well.
The Intel article is disappointing because it mostly only shows the utility of intelligence in a Cold War-like mentality with big Red-on-Blue scenarios. I realize its about Strat Intel, but where has intel been and what have they been doing over the past 9 years? Should a little focus be paid to that?
The airpower and naval strategy seem like interesting sidebars or appendices as you said but not very valuable in something that should be about more fundamental concepts of gov't/mil strategy as is the rest of the document.
This new guide to strategy is such a bloated version of the previous simplified and direct versions.
It was much easier reading about the elements of grand strategy and the system for constructing it. Now there are distracting little articles that try to get into the nitty gritty of each topic before letting the forest first come into focus.
Too much focus on specific strategies and the specific functions of the instruments of power.
All the extra stuff should be a second level or at least appendixes.
SWJED...Am I gonna get censored for this as well? (scratches head)