Sun Tzu Art Of War

Sun Tzu’s theories in the “Art of War” demonstrate an erroneous belief in the separation of political and military strategy. This is evident in the execution of the king’s concubines and Sun Tzu’s five circumstances that can predict victory. General Robert Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ inability to commit to a course of action in the South, proved insurmountable. Germany’s Military Leadership in World War One clearly should have advised against military action and sought a diplomatic solution. Both cases are excellent examples where a disconnection between political and military strategies prove to be perilous. Sun Tzu clearly establishes that the general does need to follow the instructions of the Political Leader. Sun Tzu says, "Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War, pg.6). It is quite evident that Sun Tzu does not feel that the Military Leader should answer to the Political Leader in matters of strategy or …show more content…
Military actions are rarely the solution to political problems, but they are very often the cause of political unrest. As diplomatic conditions change so must the political strategy. Based on the new political strategy, there may no longer be a need for military actions. Throughout history this has been repeatedly demonstrated that a separation of political and military strategy will not allow the alignment of tactical goals with strategic objectives. During the Civil War Confederate President Davis and General Lee should have chosen a strategy, instead of waffling between offense and defense. Kaiser Wilhelm II and General Moltke have no one but themselves to look to for Germany’s defeat. Sun Tzu’s theories in the “Art of War” demonstrate an erroneous belief in the separation of political and military