The Evolution of Operational Art From Napoleon to the Present [Hardcover]

Broadly defined as the grey area between strategy and tactics, operational art spans the theory and practice of planning and conducting campaigns and major operations aimed at accomplishing strategic and operational objectives in a given theatre of operations. An intermediate link between strategy and tactics has always existed, but a distinct concept that encompasses a systematic and deliberate plan of campaign for major operations is a mere two hundred years old.

Based on country specific case-studies,The Evolution of Operational Artdescribes how the concepts that underpin operational art originated, how they received practical expression in various campaigns, and how they developed over time. The point of departure is the campaigns of 'the God of War', Napoleon Bonaparte. The book then proceeds with chapters on the evolution of operational art in Prussia / Germany, the Soviet Union / Russia, the UK, US, Israel, and China. The final chapter deals with the future of operational art in irregular warfare.

Theory is critical to refining and improving existing methods of applying operational warfare, and its importance cannot be overstated; however, to be useful, theory and its accompanying vocabulary must be combined with a proper examination of historical trends and practical experience.TheEvolution of Operational Artattempts to achieve that combination.

This book is a project of the Oxford Leverhulme Programme on the Changing Character of War.

Preface
Prologue,Michael Howard
Introduction,John Andreas Olsen and Martin van Creveld
1. Napoleon and the Dawn of Operational Warfare,Martin van Creveld
2. Prussian-German Operational Art, 1740-1943,Dennis E. Showalter
3. The Tsarist and Soviet Operational Art, 1853-1991,Jacob W. Kipp
4. Operational Art and Britain, 1909-2009,Hew Strachan
5. American Operational Art, 1917-2008,Antulio J. Echeval3d