Strategy and Grand Strategy

by Joshua Rovner

Wartime leaders should understand the link between violent means and political ends. They should also have a sense of how strategic decisions will affect the post-war peace. Yet they often fail to make these connections. Mistaking strategy for grand strategy, or misunderstanding the relationship between them, can frustrate soldiers and statesmen alike. Sometimes it can lead to national ruin. In this Adelphi book, Joshua Rovner offers a lucid analysis of strategy (a theory of victory) and grand strategy (a theory of security). He demonstrates vividly how these concepts interact in case studies from antiquity to the present, and he describes the implications for war and peace at a time of extraordinary technological change. Rovner’s work will prove indispensable to policymakers, scholars and anyone seeking to grasp these essential but often misunderstood concepts.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua Rovner's "Strategy and Grand Strategy" offers a lucid and insightful analysis of two critical concepts in international relations and military affairs. Published two months ago, this Adelphi book provides a timely examination of how strategy (a theory of victory) and grand strategy (a theory of security) interact and shape national decision-making. Rovner, an Associate Professor at American University and former scholar-in-residence at the NSA and US Cyber Command, brings a wealth of experience to this work. He skillfully demonstrates the interplay between strategy and grand strategy through carefully selected case studies spanning from antiquity to the present day. The book's structure is both logical and engaging. After introducing the key concepts, Rovner delves into historical examples such as the Peloponnesian War and the American Revolution, before moving on to more recent events like the Cold War and the post-9/11 era. This approach allows readers to see how these concepts have evolved and remained relevant across different historical contexts. One of the book's strengths is its exploration of how emerging technologies are impacting strategy and grand strategy. This forward-looking analysis is particularly valuable in our rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Rovner's work is praised for its clarity and analytical sharpness. It successfully addresses the widespread conceptual confusion surrounding strategy and grand strategy, making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding these essential concepts. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between violent means and political ends, as well as how strategic decisions affect post-war peace. This focus on the practical implications of strategy and grand strategy adds depth to the theoretical discussions. At just 200 pages, the book is concise yet comprehensive, making it accessible to a wide audience. Rovner's clear writing style and well-chosen examples ensure that complex ideas are presented in an understandable manner. In conclusion, "Strategy and Grand Strategy" is a timely and important contribution to the field of strategic studies. It offers valuable insights for navigating the challenges of modern warfare and international relations, making it an essential read for those seeking to understand the intricacies of national security decision-making.