This textbook provides a coherent introduction to post-Cold War and post-9/11 military theory for upper-level students seeking an initial understanding of strategic studies.

In the contemporary period there has been significant and growing interest among students about international security issues. While many publications focus on one particular aspect of military strategy, there is no single volume that provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of strategic thought in this new era.

Modern Military Strategy will fill this gap in the literature, with chapters on the conduct of war in each of the naval, land, air, space and cyber dimensions, and on nuclear strategy, and irregular war and counterinsurgency. The text concludes by identifying crosscutting trends, statements, and principles which may form the basis of a modern, general theory of war.

This book will be essential reading for students of strategic studies, war studies and military history, and highly recommended for students of security studies and international relations in general.

Reviews

'Modern Military Strategy draws a clean line between the old strategic masters of yesteryear and those writing on today's challenges. The book is masterful, concise, and illuminating throughout.'-- Martin Libicki, RAND Corporation

'In this book, Elinor Sloan provides an authoritative and straightforward guide through the morass of strategic possibilities, written with clarity and insight… It’s not the last word on all these highly varied subjects but it will certainly inspire her readers and help them get to where they need to be.' -- Geoffrey Till,Kings College London, UK

'Modern Military Strategy is an outstanding study of the major aspects of contemporary warfare and defense preparation. The book is respectful of history while being anchored firmly in current realities, yet manages to be future-leaning persuasively.' -- Colin S. Gray, Unive Reading, UK

'In her insightful and informative book, Elinor Sloan tackles the important question: Who are today’s leading military strategic thinkers and what do they have to say? The result is a wide-ranging survey of contemporary strategic thinking in its various forms and domains that should find its way to the bookshelves of professional policy-makers and armchair generals alike.’ -- Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr., Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, Washington DC

'In this compact volume, Elinor Sloan has produced a unique contribution to the literature on post-Cold War military affairs … I know of no more instructive an introductory read for novitiates in this field, nor of a more balanced and thorough tour d’horizon of the field for its more expert practitioners.'-- Benjamin S. Lambeth, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, Washington DC

Contents

Introduction 1. Seapower 2. Landpower 3. Airpower 4. Joint Theory...