Deterrent and Determinant

A book on national strategy that is not a brief for a particular weapons system or a particular course of political action is rare these days. But The Strategy of Conflict, by Thomas C. Schelling (Harvard, $6.25) is the exception. Dr. Schelling, a professor of economics at Harvard, presents a thorough discussion of the complicated range of possibilities in conflict among nations. The volume is an eye- opener even for the reader who comprehends the methods of fourth dimensional warfare—war by subversion-practiced by the Communists, since understanding of Communist political theory and conflict management is no substitute for the scientific analysis of action and reaction that Dr. Schelling stresses.

This book is a timely reminder that conflict is essentially a guessing game for the nations involved in a struggle. The winner of a war may not be the nation with the biggest battalions but the nation that is shrewdest in guessing the next move of its enemy. The island-hopping strategy of the U.S. in the Pacific theater during World War II and General MacArthur’s Inchon landing in Korea illustrate the truth that brilliant strategic ideas can be more important than the size of forces available.

AH

About the Author

Anthony H. Harrigan

A book on national strategy that is not a brief for a particular weapons system or a particular course of political action is rare these days. But The Strategy of Conflict, by Thomas C. Schelling (Harvard, $6.25) is the exception. Dr. Schelling, a professor of economics at Harvard, presents a thorough discussion of the complicated range of possibilities in conflict among nations. The volume is an eye- opener even for the reader who comprehends the methods of fourth dimensional warfare—war by subversion-practiced by the Communists, since understanding of Communist political theory and conflict management is no substitute for the scientific analysis of action and reaction that Dr. Schelling stresses.

This book is a timely reminder that conflict is essentially a guessing game for the nations involved in a struggle. The winner of a war may not be the nation with the biggest battalions but the nation that is shrewdest in guessing the next move of its enemy. The island-hopping strategy of the U.S. in the Pacific theater during World War II and General MacArthur’s Inchon landing in Korea illustrate the truth that brilliant strategic ideas can be more important than the size of forces available.