Applying Sun Tzu's Ancient 'Art of War' to the Future

摘要

The strategist, Sun Tzu, developed 'The Art of War' in China around 500 B.C. His precepts of 'warfare' have endured for more than 2000 years and have influenced strategic decision-making and warfare through the 20th century. As the United States enters the 21st century and the information age, it is useful to re-examine Sun Tzu's precepts as they relate to the strategic needs forecasted for 2010 and beyond. This paper first develops a profile of strategic operations expected in the Army After Next time frame, then reviews Sun Tzu's precepts from the perspective of modern diplomacy and warfare, and correlates the precepts with the future characteristics to determine specific areas for further consideration. From a discussion of these areas, seven mandates are called for the U.S. political-military system to prepare for strategic decisions and operational implementation between now and the year 2025.