Visualizing strategy: a conceptual framework for the analysis and teaching of the conduct of war

Abstract

ABSTRACT Few researchers have suggested models for visualising particular strategies applied during wartime. The authors present a new analytical, visual methodology for the conduct of war. It refines Arthur F. Lykke Jr.’s definition of strategy, which emphasises the interaction of three components: ends, ways and means. Moreover, the framework introduced distinguishes between military and civilian components, public declaration and action as well as use and reserve. Thus, a conceptual framework is offered to the scholarly community that aims to both analyse and visualise a party’s true strategy during an armed conflict and that is, moreover, applicable to both regular and irregular parties in a specific operational theatre. Furthermore, this methodology supports the teaching of strategic dimensions in an academic setting.