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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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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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What listeners say about Masters of War: History's Greatest Strategic Thinkers

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the history of strategic planning

great audio book that sums up the historical development of strategic thinking in the military. moreover it introduced to me a number of thought provoking concepts about politics and war. I wish there was a second part to this course that goes into greater depths of analysing past and current military affairs based on the concepts outlined here.

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Even more relevant after the Russia war in Ukraine

I was not sure about this audiobook. how much I enjoyed this listen it's more than 5stars. I will be following up this course with another and I will be looking to find the author online with an eye to listen to more strategy with international relations that are so relevant today with the illegal invasion of Ukraine. the book was nearly a decade ago but it was clear how many strings the russians are pulling. Russia have made several tactical failures that have been present for any army hundreds of years ago.

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really impressive. LOVED every chapter / lecture.

highly recommended for anyone who lives history, military history, strategy, and learning from the past. brilliantly researched and written. I LOVE this series of lectures.

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Good but very biased

This is great historical book but has the definite feel of "I love America , bearers of the undying torch of humanity " about it .

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An excellent introduction to military strategy

There are plenty of books that aim to explain the attributes of the great writers on military strategy. These lectures are as good as it gets. And the testing of their theories against historic examples gives useful insights. Very strongly recommended.

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Educational and interesting

A good series of lectures, charting the progress of military theory, with real world examples of ideas from long ago. I liked the delivery, which felt relaxed and was easy to listen to. Will want to hear more of the Great Courses, especially Prof. Wilson's Art of War lectures.

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Very rewarding and informative.

I will certainly listen to this one again in the near future. A comprehensive account of the evolution of military thinking and strategy. If you wish to understand the subject more this is an excellent place to start.

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A masterclass on strategy.

A fantastic exploration of strategic writing through history and across domains. Professor Wilson blends expert knowledge with an engaging delivery. A must for history buffs and military professionals alike.

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Strategy

If you like strategy you need to listen, one of the best audiobook in the subject

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Amazing course! Would recommend over and over!

This has been an amazing course! Definitely worth it for those serious about learning strategy

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