American Art: Toward an American Theory of Peace

摘要

This monograph is an effort to stimulate thinking and discussion on a theory ofpeace for the United States of America. American national security-and military planners currently develop strategic, operational and tactical concepts primarily based on the thoughts and theoretical constructs of classical military theorists. Although classical military theory still provides an excellent foundation for contemporary thinking about war and peace, such theories do not address the evolving nature of our contemporary society and the corresponding changes in the instruments of war and peace. Without a contemporary theory of war and peace, we will continue to plan modern security strategies and plans based on classical theories not grounded on the realities of contemporary society. The format, structure and methodology of this monograph is based on Sun Tzu's seminal work The Art of War. Initial chapters address basic definitions of war and peace, the nature of war, sources of power and will. Following chapters concern the aspects of war theory which may contribute to peace and the successful prosecution of war. The last chapter presents leadership as the most critical element in the maintenance of peace and conduct of war, AMERICAN ART is a contemporary synthesis of military, social, economic and political thoughts on war and peace. The paper is not intended to be a complete theory in any discipline, but a more holistic approach toward the development of a theory of peace.