This paper will review the classic discussion of military strategy and tactics, The Art of War. The first part will summarize the contents of the book, while the second part will discuss the book as it relates to modern warfare.
Written by a Chinese general sometime between 300 and 500 B.C., the Art of War consists of thirteen chapters describing how a military chieftain should conduct warfare. Written as a manual for other Chinese generals, it was intended to help them achieve victory in battle. As one of the oldest written guides to war, it naturally has attracted a lot of attention since it was first published in the West in the 18th Century. Its subject matter and reputation also attracted the attention of this reviewer.
Most of the book consists of tactical and strategic common sense, items which are often overlooked in warfare. The most important general point in the book is preparation. Throughout the treatise, the author stresses the value of preparation prior to battle. From the laying of plans, through the necessity of intelligence, to the use of terrain during combat itself, Sun Tzu emphasizes that victory almost always goes to the side which is best prepared. Preparedness not only means drawing up a plan of battle based upon knowledge of the enemy's dispositions, but also preparing one's own forces for combat. Preparedness also means knowing when and when not to engage in battle.
The first chapter is very short and deals with laying plans for battle. Instead of advising the reader on how to prepare a plan of combat, however, the author tells the reader that planning involves preparation of forces and deception of the enemy. It is in this chapter that the author first introduces the importance of discipline, a theme which appears throughout the book. One of the prime considerations in determining the strength of an army is whether there is an "absolute certainty that merit will be properly rewarded a...