The Time of Grand Strategy
Abstract
Well known at the lower levels of war, the time factor is barely studied at the higher levels, especially at the level of grand strategy, which itself requires an accurate definition. Time, as a factor of grand strategy, is characterized by linearity and dialectic: being shared between competitors, its analysis must focus on temporal determiners and effects of strategic interaction. It becomes thus possible to describe a specific sequence of the grand strategic level, in which adaptation appears as the critical phase. Opportunity and initiative can then be defined through the prism of adaptation, showing how the art of strategy lies in the ability to create a temporal discrepancy between ones and enemy s sequence. Decisive act of the strategic intercourse, seizing the initiative can be defined as maintaining ones sequence whilst disrupting the adversary s, as coercing the enemy into adapting without being oneself coerced into it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589326
Entities
People
- Arnaud Goujon
Organizations
- United States Army War College