Along with great commanders in history, there have been men who theorized about the nature and conduct of war, the relationship between politics and strategy, and the impact of warfare upon society. The course examines the contributions of selected theorists (Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Jomini, Mahan, Fuller, Liddell Hart, Brodie, etc.). The student reads the theorists' major writings, analyzes their principal ideas, and studies their influence on military affairs. This will help the student reach his or her own conclusions about fundamental questions concerning the conduct and fundamental nature of war, such as the relative strength of offense vs. defense, or of material vs. morale factors. |