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Military Theory and the Conduct of War: What Is Strategy All About?
The question of whether there is a general, universal theory for the conduct of war has long preoccupied military thinkers, army personnel and students of conflict. Warfare has been radically transformed throughout history, under the influence of technological change. But is there anything enduring that can be determined about it, taught in military schools and applied in practice?
Azar Gat offers a fresh look at the relationship between politics and war, examining the meanings of ‘victory’, offence and defence, and the significance and role of concepts like the ‘principles of war’ and military ‘doctrine’. He analyses the successive military innovations of modernity, including the advent of nuclear weapons and the ongoing cyber and robotics revolutions of our own times. He also explains why guerrilla warfare and terrorism have grown increasingly important, and where they are heading.
With China and Russia posing a growing challenge to the global order today, Gat asks if war is truly in our nature—or if it is, in fact, declining. This is a vital text for all students of war, whether in academia, in the military or among the public at large.
Azar Gat offers a fresh look at the relationship between politics and war, examining the meanings of ‘victory’, offence and defence, and the significance and role of concepts like the ‘principles of war’ and military ‘doctrine’. He analyses the successive military innovations of modernity, including the advent of nuclear weapons and the ongoing cyber and robotics revolutions of our own times. He also explains why guerrilla warfare and terrorism have grown increasingly important, and where they are heading.
With China and Russia posing a growing challenge to the global order today, Gat asks if war is truly in our nature—or if it is, in fact, declining. This is a vital text for all students of war, whether in academia, in the military or among the public at large.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
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October 31, 2025
My perspective on Gat's latest book is based on a lifetime of studying, writing, and teaching strategy and doctrine (both in the military and as a university lecturer).
Gat addresses many of the significant issues in the strategy/doctrine field (he explains why these have become synonymous) to determine whether there are universal principles of war. He starts where modern strategy begins, with the work of Von Clausewitz, whose book On War is still often cited in discussions of the subject. He points out how even Von Clausewitz began to doubt what he had written as technology and social changes impacted his analysis; however, he died before he could edit his work.
The best part is his discussion of terrorism and guerrilla warfare, two types of conflict that Von Clausewitz would not have considered, because states do not conduct them.
Professionals would be familiar with most of these arguments and the citations. However, I recommend this to interested amateurs looking for an introduction to the subject, which brings me to my primary criticism. Although Gat includes endnotes with citations and comments, a bibliography or list of recommended readings would be helpful for those wanting to continue their study of the subject.
Gat addresses many of the significant issues in the strategy/doctrine field (he explains why these have become synonymous) to determine whether there are universal principles of war. He starts where modern strategy begins, with the work of Von Clausewitz, whose book On War is still often cited in discussions of the subject. He points out how even Von Clausewitz began to doubt what he had written as technology and social changes impacted his analysis; however, he died before he could edit his work.
The best part is his discussion of terrorism and guerrilla warfare, two types of conflict that Von Clausewitz would not have considered, because states do not conduct them.
Professionals would be familiar with most of these arguments and the citations. However, I recommend this to interested amateurs looking for an introduction to the subject, which brings me to my primary criticism. Although Gat includes endnotes with citations and comments, a bibliography or list of recommended readings would be helpful for those wanting to continue their study of the subject.
Displaying 1 of 1 review