The Strategy Bridge Strategic Culture, Ideology, and Military Strategy with Jeremy Black
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Dec 7, 2020 In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Black, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Exeter and author of “Military Strategy: A Global History,” explores the intricate relationship between strategic culture and military strategy. He discusses how political factors shape military decision-making and critiques the Eurocentric bias in existing literature. Black emphasizes the need to recognize the historical evolution of military strategy and the disconnect between theorists and practitioners. He also highlights the significance of ideology in shaping national interests and military responses.
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Focus on Analysis, Not Definitions
- Avoid excessive focus on definitions; prioritize analyzing actions over semantics.
- Challenge established literature, especially if it's Eurocentric, progressivist, or narrowly focused.
Ideology's Impact on Strategic Assessments
- Ideology influences how societies assess suffering, loss, victory, and defeat.
- This perspective is often neglected in favor of abstract, quantifiable strategic processes.
Court Ideologies Beyond Monarchies
- Court ideologies, where rulers and courtiers shape policy, exist beyond European monarchies.
- Modern policymaking can still be viewed through the lens of court culture, with individuals' influence mattering more than institutions.