Linking the East and West : in search for a general theory of strategy

Today there is yet no recognized general theory of strategy and this seriously affects the West in dealing with the problem of war as a whole. This thesis aims to establish a general theory of strategy by synthesizing Western and Chinese strategic thought, the two main streams of strategic thought in the world. As a general rule, this thesis investigates the requirements of a general theory of strategy, its functions, and its importance to the study of war. Rather than simply regarding the works of Clausewitz and Sun Tzu as first-class general theories of war and strategy and using them in a ad-hoc manner, it reexamines the main aspects of Clausewitz's and Sun Tzu's thoughts, identifies the essential aspects that link them together, discusses how they can be used together, and proposes the proper "division of labor" between them according to their strengths in respect of developing a general theory of strategy.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo