Intro to Strategic Studies

Strategic Studies
• The Study of Conduct of
Strategy and War
• S.S is an interdisciplinary
academic field centered on the
study of conflict and peace
strategies, often devoting
special attention to the
relationship between
international politics, geo-
strategy, international
diplomacy, international
economics, and military power.
 Strategic Studies
• In the scope of the studies are also subjects
such as the role of intelligence, diplomacy, and
international cooperation for security and
defense.
• The subject is normally taught at the post-
graduate academic or professional, usually
strategic-political and strategic-military levels
 Nature of Strategic Studies
• The discipline of Strategic Studies concerns itself with the
use of force as an instrument of state policy, derived from
“the use of engagement for the purpose of the war”

• As an academic discipline the early focus was on

– how wars start?
– how they can be avoided?
or if not avoidable
– then fought in the most efficient manner possible

• To this end, the focus of traditional strategic studies has

been the military means that actors in the international
system employ to gain their political objectives or ends.
 Defining Strategic Studies/Strategy
Military
• The use of engagement for the object of war - (Clausewitz)
• Strategy is an art to distribute and use military means to achieve policy
goal – Liddell Hart
• Strategy should be seen more an art than an engagement- Andre Beaufre
• Plan of actions - US rear Admiral Wylie
Civilians
• Strategic Theory is theory of action and strategic studies is policy
relevant-Bernard Brodie
• Strategy is bridge or a linkage between military forces and political
intention - Colin S. Gray
• Strategy is a link between military means and political ends - Betts
• An art and science for how to reach the policy goal by means of force in
any conflict- Hedley
• Strategy is about how to win a war, thus any study of strategy should
start from an understanding of war- Thomas G. Mahnkenand & Joseph
A. Malolo
 Definition
• The practical adoption of the means placed at a general’s disposal to the attainment of
the object in war- (Von Moltke)

• The art of distributing and applying military means to fulfill the ends of policy-
(Liddell Hart)

• A process, a constant adoption to the shifting conditions and circumstances in world

where chance, uncertainty and ambiguity dominate- (W. Murray and M. Grimslay)

• Is ultimately about effectively exercising power- (Grogery D. Foster)

• As the overall plan for utilizing the capacity for armed coercion – in conjunction with
economic, diplomatic and psychological instrument of power-to support foreign policy
most effectively by overt, covert and tacit means. – (Robert Osgood)

• “The theory and the practice of the use, the threat of use of organized force for political
purposes.” [Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Kautilya)

• Conclusive Definition: Strategic Studies as a study mostly about the use of force with
in and between states.
 Stages of Strategic Studies
Ken Booth
• First Stage: Began in early 1950- theoretical
achievements
• Second Stage: 1956-1985 – Golden age – Part of
Universities – academic and practical significance to
policy making – theories of nuclear deterrence –
S.S. played central role in study of IR
• Third Stage: after 1980s- after the cold war- stage of
criticism
 Levels of Strategy
• Grand Level
• Technical Level
• Operational Level
• Theater level
• Tactical Level
 Levels of National Strategy
• National Strategy – National Power, National Policy
Plan
• National Security Strategy – Suitable national
power, National Security plan
• National Military Strategy – Military Power,
National Military plan
• Regional Strategy – Diplomacy: Economic
Assistance, International Norms
• Theatre Strategy – Forces , force plan
 Why Strategic Studies is needed?
 War is a serious business
"War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the
province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is
mandatory that it be thoroughly studied" [Sun Tzu]

"You might not be interested in war, but war is interested in

you." [Trotsky]

 War is Inevitable
 Force and military power continue to be an important
currency in the international politics.
 Security of one State becomes insecurity of another
 Weakness and power provoke the others
 Strategic Studies in IR & Security

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Political Sciences

International Relations

Security/Conflict Studies

STRATEGIC STUDIES
 Criticism
• Strategic studies cannot be studied as a discipline
on it own, for it is too narrow, and rely upon arts,
sciences and social sciences for ideas
• False Philosophical Assumption
• Too practical to be academic
• Too narrow to be realistic
• Misunderstanding the real world that caused a
question of academic testability
• Insufficient predictability
 Continuous
• A State Centric Approach
• The Risk of Test
• Division of Strategic Studies
• Non-Linear Predictability
• New Agendas – Anti-terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation,
arms control and study of armed forces
• Is it still relevant today?
– Freedman and Betts: the knowledge based strategic studies is
designed for solving the problem of conflict existing in the human
society, within or without a state in particular and the purpose of
it is seriously facing state’s survival. Nonetheless, if strategic
studies needs to be existent, it has to be embedded into
universities system, through which can the field of Strategic
Studies be cultivated and valued?
 The Importance in todays world
• In the contemporary global landscape, strategy
serves as the cornerstone for navigating the
complexities of international relations. As nations
and non-state actors jostle for power, influence,
and resources, the ability to craft and execute
effective strategies is paramount. Whether in
promoting national interests, resolving conflicts,
or shaping alliances, strategic thinking underpins
every diplomatic maneuver and policy decision.
• One of the enduring lessons from history is the
importance of traditional concepts of strategy,
intelligence, and military tactics. Events such as
the Gulf War serve as stark reminders of the
relevance of military prowess and strategic
planning in achieving political objectives.
Moreover, intelligence surprises, as witnessed in
various geopolitical crises, underscore the
criticality of anticipating and countering
adversaries' moves.
• However, the scope of strategic studies extends far
beyond the realm of traditional military doctrines.
• In the post-Cold War era, security challenges have
evolved to encompass a myriad of non-conventional
threats, ranging from cyber warfare to
environmental degradation. Consequently,
strategists must adopt a holistic approach,
incorporating societal, environmental, and
diplomatic solutions to address these multifaceted
challenges effectively.
• Importantly, the human dimension cannot be
overlooked in the calculus of strategy.
• Should be for the betterment of human being
• Understanding the cultural nuances of violent
conflicts and recognizing the sacrifices made by
soldiers are fundamental to shaping political
outcomes. Soldiers' willingness to lay down their
lives underscores the profound impact of the
human factor on warfare and the broader political
landscape.
• Moreover, in the context of democratization efforts in
regions like Africa, international linkages and external
pressures play a decisive role.
• The interplay between domestic political dynamics and
global norms highlights the intricate dance of power
and influence in shaping the trajectory of nations.
• Strategic maneuvering in negotiations with
international actors becomes crucial in navigating the
delicate balance between democratizing forces and
entrenched autocratic regimes.
In essence, strategy remains the linchpin of
effective engagement in today's international
politics.
Whether in the realm of military operations,
diplomatic negotiations, or societal
transformation, strategic thinking provides the
guiding framework for success amidst the
complexities of the modern world.
Thanks for Attention