There are numerous similarities between warfare and elections. Both involved protracted struggles for power, strategizing, fundraising and research. Political campaigns in the U.S. even borrow several terms from warfare, further demonstrating their congruence. Campaigns strategize in “war rooms”, put their fundraised capital in their respective “war chests”, “mobilize” campaign members and confront their opponents in “battleground” states. The results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election were shocking to many, as the polls systematically showed Secretary Clinton as the overwhelming favorite to win the elections, as many pundits wrote off President-elect Trump as no serious threat (Cave). On election night the New York Times put the likelihood
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In part, Donald Trumps shocking rise can be attributed to his unorthodox tactics, political prowess and ability to react to a changing environment, all strategies expressly suggested within The Art of War. In political elections—particularly in the 2016 presidential election—campaigns frequently employ the strategies and themes, originally meant for warfare, from The Art of War. The importance of obtaining information, understanding one’s environment and remaining flexible in the face of changing circumstances all play integral roles in determining the outcomes in politics and warfare. In The Art of War Sunzi says, “If the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain” (Sunzi II, 3). In the political context, this advice, is best exemplified during the presidential primaries, where members of the same party compete to become their party’s respective nominees. Running for president costs an extraordinary amount of money, requiring substantial fundraising on the part of the candidates and their teams in order to maintain their operations. At some point, when it becomes clear that a given candidate is not going to be able to persuade a large enough percentage
In part, Donald Trumps shocking rise can be attributed to his unorthodox tactics, political prowess and ability to react to a changing environment, all strategies expressly suggested within The Art of War. In political elections—particularly in the 2016 presidential election—campaigns frequently employ the strategies and themes, originally meant for warfare, from The Art of War. The importance of obtaining information, understanding one’s environment and remaining flexible in the face of changing circumstances all play integral roles in determining the outcomes in politics and warfare. In The Art of War Sunzi says, “If the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain” (Sunzi II, 3). In the political context, this advice, is best exemplified during the presidential primaries, where members of the same party compete to become their party’s respective nominees. Running for president costs an extraordinary amount of money, requiring substantial fundraising on the part of the candidates and their teams in order to maintain their operations. At some point, when it becomes clear that a given candidate is not going to be able to persuade a large enough percentage