On Grand Strategy: Summary Review

This is a summary review of On Grand Strategy containing key details about the book.

What is On Grand Strategy About?

"On Grand Strategy" explores the principles and practices of grand strategy and how they can be applied to current and future challenges facing nations and leaders.

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In this book, the author has for almost two decades co-taught the grand strategy seminar at Yale University with his colleagues Charles Hill and Paul Kennedy. Now, in On Grand Strategy, Gaddis reflects with insight and wit on what he has learned. In chapters extending from the ancient world through World War II, Gaddis assesses grand strategic theory and practice in Herodotus, Thucydides, Sun Tzu.

Summary Points & Takeaways from On Grand Strategy

Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:

* "On Grand Strategy" is a political science and history book that explores the concept of grand strategy.

* The author defines grand strategy as a comprehensive plan of action that integrates diplomacy, military, and economic policies to achieve national goals.

* The book covers key concepts in grand strategy, such as statecraft, strategy formulation, and strategy implementation.

* It provides historical case studies of successful and failed grand strategies, including ancient Rome, the British Empire, and Nazi Germany.

* The author emphasizes the importance of adaptability and flexibility in grand strategy.

* The book highlights the value of combining military, diplomatic, and economic tools to achieve strategic objectives.

* It provides advice on how to analyze and understand the international system, and formulate and implement effective grand strategies.

* The author argues that by understanding the art of grand strategy, individuals can make better decisions and achieve strategic goals in the political, military, and economic realms.

Who is the author of On Grand Strategy?

John Lewis Gaddis is an American international relations scholar, military historian, and writer. He is the Robert A. Lovett Professor of Military and Naval History at Yale University.

Book Details

  • Print length: 368 pages
  • Genre: History, Nonfiction, Politics

On Grand Strategy Chapters

Chapter 1 :Crossing the Hellespont
Chapter 2:Long walls
Chapter 3:Teachers and tethers
Chapter 4:Souls and states
Chapter 5:Princes as pivots
Chapter 6:New worlds
Chapter 7:The grandest strategists
Chapter 8:The greatest president
Chapter 9:Last best hope
Chapter 10:Isaiah

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What is a good quote from On Grand Strategy?

Top Quote: “Common sense, in this sense, is like oxygen: the higher you go, the thinner it gets.” (Meaning) - On Grand Strategy Quotes, John Lewis Gaddis

What do critics say?

Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “Thought-provoking…The approach is highly idiosyncratic and the structure loose; it has something of the feel of a personal manifesto or intellectual memoir.” — Weekly Standard

* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in enhancing your personal growth, I suggest checking out my list of favorite self-development books. These books have been instrumental in my own personal development and I'm confident they can help you too.

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Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.

 
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