Date of Graduation
Fall 2023
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Kerry Kartchner
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to examine the thinking of four classic strategic theorists, namely Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Carl von Clausewitz, and explore continuity and contrast in their strategic theories. In doing so, this author has structured the paper based on the fundamental architecture of strategy, that is, ends, ways and means. Since the paper specifically addresses military strategy, it first investigates what the ideas of the four theorists are on war as the military means. Then, the paper will explore the theorists’ thoughts on different strategic approaches as ways. Then, the essay will delve into the ideas of the thinkers on politics as the end. The paper argues that the thinking of the classic theorists of strategy is still relevant to the modern strategic challenges.
Keywords
strategic theory, military strategy, Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Machiavelli, Clausewitz
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Morteza Safari
Recommended Citation
Safari, Morteza, "Continuity and Contrast in the Strategic Theories of Four Classic Strategic Thinkers: Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz" (2023). MSU Graduate Theses. 3926.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3926
