We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $38.50

Format:
Paperback
176 pp.
156 mm x 234 mm

ISBN-13:
9780198800675

Publication date:
July 2018

Imprint: OUP UK


Theory of Strategy

Colin S. Gray

This book provides a short and accessible introduction to the theory of strategy, examines the general theory of strategy in accordance with 23 key Principles and explains its nature, functions, and intended consequences.

Theory of Strategy makes the radical argument that the familiar structure of strategy's general theory (political ends, strategic ways, military means - and assumptions) holds as sound for security at all times and in all places, of human necessity. Strategy is ever-varying in its character, but not in its nature, which is unchanging.

Readership : Postgraduate, research, and scholarly: scholars and students of political science, security studies, war studies, and international relations.

1. Introduction
2. Argument
3. Theory (1) Politics and Strategy Principles 1-7
4. Theory (2) Chaos and Order: Principles 8-13
5. Theory (3) Understanding Complexity: Principles 14-19
6. Theory (4) Coherent Theory: Principles 20-23
7. Strategic History
8. Strategic Sense
Annex

There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.

Colin S. Gray is Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies, University of Reading. He has published thirty books on strategic matters, including The Strategy Bridge (OUP, 2010), Perspectives on Strategy (OUP, 2013), Strategy and Defence Planning (OUP, 2014), and The Practice of Strategy (co-authored with John Andreas Olsen, OUP 2011).

Making Sense in the Social Sciences - Margot Northey, Lorne Tepperman and Patrizia Albanese
The Strategy Bridge - Colin S. Gray

Special Features

  • The first-ever introduction to the theory of strategy.
  • Provides a short and accessible introduction to a key component of any higher-level strategic studies course.
  • The author is one of the world's leading authorities on strategy and strategic thinking.
  • Explains the subject in 23 key principles.