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Synopsis
In this volume, Professor Colin Gray develops and applies the theory and scholarship on the allegedly historical practice of the 'Revolution in Military Affairs' (RMA), in order to improve our comprehension of how and why strategy 'works'.
The author explores the RMA hypothesis both theoretically and historically. The book argues that the conduct of an RMA has to be examined as a form of strategic behaviour, which means that, of necessity, it must "work" as strategy works. The great RMA debate of the 1990s is reviewed empathetically, though sceptically, by the author, with every major school of thought allowed its day in court.
The author presents three historical RMAs as case studies for his argument: those arguably revealed in the wars of the French Revolution and Napoleon; in World War I; and in the nuclear age. The focus of his analysis is how these grand RMAs functioned strategically. The conclusions that he draws from these empirical exercises are then applied to help us understand what, indeed, is - and what is not - happening with the much vaunted information-technology-led RMA of today.
Foreign Affairs
The surprising turns in the character of armed conflict since the Persian Gulf War have given confidence to believers in the revolution in military affairs (RMA) — the grand vision for the future of warfare that emerged from that war. Gray plunges into the multiple meanings and past examples of the rma concept with his customary vigor before looking at the military revolutions associated with Napoleon, World War I, and nuclear weapons. As with Gray's other books, Strategy for Chaos at times presents itself as a dense, restless, and erudite stream of consciousness, darting back and forth across centuries of military history, intermingled with smatterings of social science and chaos theory. It nonetheless repays careful reading and has a sensible message: strategic behavior is complex and has unavoidably chaotic consequences that need to be taken into account, contrary to the technology-driven progress envisaged by RMA enthusiasts.