Strategy in the Contemporary World: An Introduction to Strategic Studies

by John Baylis (Editor), James J. Wirtz, Colin S. Gray

The most comprehensive analysis of strategic studies available, Strategy in the Contemporary World, Third Edition, reflects upon recent events and assesses the role of military power in the contemporary world. Taking a functional approach and looking at issues from both times of war and of
peace, editors John Baylis, James J. Wirtz, and Colin S. Gray analyze the conflicts themselves--as well as what can be learned from them.

This new edition covers topics such as intelligence and strategy, strategic studies and its critics, as well as strategy in practice, providing a comprehensive and insightful collection of contributions from a team of leading experts in the field.

FEATURES

* Provides a more comprehensive analysis of strategic studies than any other text in its market
* Brings together contributions from international experts
* Incorporates excellent learning features throughout, including readers' guides, key points, questions, suggestions for further reading, and boxes
* Accompanied by a comprehensive Companion Website (www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199548873) with case studies, weblinks, PowerPoint lecture slides, and a (password-protected) Test Bank of multiple choice questions

NEW TO THIS EDITION

* Expanded coverage of key issues such as intelligence, critics of strategic studies, and strategy in practice
* New chapters on intelligence and strategy, strategic studies and its critics, and the practice of strategy
* New case studies for the online resource centre, including a case on the 2006 war in Lebanon and a case on the Gaza conflict

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Military Fiction, Reference, Political Science, War, International Relations

480 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel Matsuoka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good as far as textbooks go. It is not without some obvious biases, but is anything? It's a textbook with an argument (one prominent one being that strategy is an art rather than a science and defends the relevance of strategic studies, that humanitarian aid is akin to war) more than a book that simply explains strategic studies. It sometimes gets into some very technical military stuff that I admit I kind of glossed over, but has several interesting chapters that give a decent overview of security and conflict in the modern day. I didn't mind the visible biases too much, but don't be bashing international humanitarian efforts when I'm just trying to learn, okay?

[Jerad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written by twats.

Linguistically not strong.

Ideologically wrong.

Factually shallow.

Ahh!

[Michiel Van R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

[mharipin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i haven't really read it. for sure. i've only read the introduction. but guess what, i find it really interesting.
i'm sure this book will really helpfull when i enter my "thesis-writing gate." (hopefully, next year. cross fingers for me. hehehe).

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish reading..

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best essays in strategic studies by some of the top thinkers in the field.