Preparing for War

An original conceptual approach to the study of war, attempting to capture the entire phenomenon of military adaptation-whether strategic, institutional or in the field. Armed forces are often perceived as conservative institutions obsessed with tradition. Yet, they are institutions in constant flux, continually having to adapt to the evolving international security context, to new technologies, or to the instructions given to them by political leaders. Resolving this tension between the search for stability (which enables cohesion) and change (which ensures adaptation to security challenges) is at the heart of the effectiveness of armed forces, and therefore of a state's international power. This book thus systematically studies a fundamental, but hitherto too little-known, aspect of defense strategy: military change. Going beyond the fads of 'transformation' or 'innovation,' it analyses in detail the political, organisational, and strategic factors that enable military organisations to adapt to their security environment. It thus provides valuable keys for citizens, decision-makers, and researchers eager to understand the dynamics of international power relations.