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Masters of War: History's Greatest Strategic Thinkers

By: The Great Courses, Andrew R. Wilson
Narrated by: Andrew R. Wilson
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Publisher's Summary

From Napoleon's revolutionary campaigns to the way insurgency, terrorism, and nuclear weaponry have defined the nature of warfare in the 21st century, the results of military strategy have changed the course of history. These 24 thought-provoking lectures give you an inside look at both the content and historical context of the world's greatest war strategists.

From the triremes and hoplites of ancient Greece to the Special Forces in 21st-century Afghanistan, strategy is the process by which political objectives are translated into military action - using the means at a nation's disposal to compel an enemy to bend to its political will.

In this concise and rigorous survey, Professor Wilson introduces: Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War; Sun Tzu's famous The Art of War; Machiavelli's strategy for a republic with a citizen-army; Jomini, Clausewitz, and the Napoleonic revolution in warfare; the development of naval strategy and the rise of airpower; Mao Tse-tung, David Galula, and Roger Trinquier's reflections on insurgency and counterinsurgency and their influence on the U.S. Army's Field Manual 3-24; Just-war theory, from Thucydides' Melian Dialogue to Operation Iraqi Freedom; nuclear war, terrorism, and other strategic challenges for the 21st century.

You'll come away from this course with new insight that will allow you to take an informed, active interest in political and military debates - which ultimately will determine the course of our nation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this course are those of the professor and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

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A valuable resource

Well performed, well researched, and engaging primer on the fundamentals of strategic theory. Accessible and valuable for both students in the field and the casual listener, and provides further reading suggestions for those looking to deepen their understanding. Probably the best Great Courses series I’ve listened to.

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  • Rob
  • 22-09-2022

A must listen

Great speaker and informative, accessible content.
Listening in 2022 only adds to this with context.

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A must listen for Strategic and Military thinkers

An exceptional collection of lectures that positively change the way you think and view strategy.

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Brilliant analysis

The presenter displays a masterful knowledge of the subject matter and delivers his material with passion and conviction.

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Vital reading

A thought provoking listen which as a Commander is a MUST read.
This audio book will further enhance my understanding and implementation of strategy.
A MUST read for civilians and military.

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  • JMC
  • 03-03-2018

Great Overview

Loved it! Covered all the theorists and major concepts. i would recommend this book to all that are interested in extending their knowledge; in particular, during these interesting times.

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