Synopses & Reviews
This study is one of the rare contributions to the very small library of genuine strategic studies. Strategy here covers all military activity. The broad purpose is to show how strategy works, using air power and special operations as substantial case studies, but also addressing sea power, nuclear deterrence, and information warfare. Although this book says interesting things about the future of air power, the reliability of non-nuclear deterrence, the true character of joint warfare, the utility of special warriors, and the limitations of excellence in information warfare, the primary intention is to deepen the understanding of the nature and working of strategy and strategic effect.
Review
Gray provides a useful overview of strategy in the post-Cold War period.... Gray is particularly on target with regard to the need to rethink the relevance of the last 50 years of nuclear deterrence.Choice
Synopsis
Shows how the mechanics and underlying structure of military strategy works.
About the Author
COLIN S. GRAY is a strategic theorist and defense analyst who has worked in Britain, Canada, and the United States.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
The Challenge of Strategy
On Strategic Performance
The Advantages and Limitations of Sea Power: British Defense in a Joint World
Deterrence, Still a Reliable Strategy?
Strategy and Air Power
The Advantages and Limitations of Air Power
The United States as an Air Power
Air Power and Defense Planning
Strategy and Special Operations
The Nature of Special Operations
The Strategic Utility of Special Operations: Lessons of History
Special Operations and Defense Planning
Conclusions
Strategy and the Revolution in Military Affairs
Bibliography
Index