Game Theory and The Art of War

by Dean Dudley, Tony Martin

In the complex world of military strategy, success often hinges not on isolated decisions but on the interaction of competing choices. Game Theory and the Art of War explores the powerful analytical framework of game theory as a practical tool for military decision makers operating in environments where outcomes depend on the choices of multiple actors. Drawing on real-world scenarios across military, political, and economic arenas, this volume presents a rigorous yet accessible examination of strategic choice. It avoids dense mathematics in favor of narrative clarity, intuitive explanation, and historical case studies that illuminate key concepts. From battlefield tactics to planning sessions, unlock the secrets of game theory and discover how to model conflicts, anticipate your opponents’ moves, devise optimal strategies to achieve your objectives, and win.

298 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[Heinrich DuBose-Schmitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Developed from a course at West Point, it reads like a course put into book form. It could've used an editor to tighten up the material and correct what look like copy/paste mistakes. The premise is good though: to help one decide well using game theory techniques. I struggled with the historical and the city/raiders examples a bit. I was also uncertain how these ideas would apply to a new problem (like US-China relations or OEF).