British Way of War: Julian Corbett and the Battle for a National Strategy

Julian Corbett (1854-1922) was a lawyer, civilian, and Liberal who brought a new level of logic, advocacy, and intellectual precision to the development of strategy. He integrated classical strategic theory, British history, and emerging trends in technology, geopolitics, and conflict to prepare the British state for war. His concept of a maritime strategy, dominated by the control of global communications and economic war, survived the debacle of 1914-18 and proved critical in the Second World War, shaping Churchills conduct of the conflict. His ideas continue to influence British thinking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

In the annals of history, a strategist's ideas stood poised to shape the course of nations, yet tragically, they were disregarded in 1914. However, these same ideas would later pave the way for Britain's triumph in the Second World War and beyond. Leading historian Andrew Lambert takes us on a captivating journey to unravel the story of Julian Corbett (1854-1922), a lawyer, civilian, and Liberal who brought a fresh perspective to the development of strategy. Corbett's intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication to his craft revolutionized the field of strategy, infusing it with a new level of logic, advocacy, and intellectual precision.

Corbett's strategic vision was a tapestry woven from the rich tapestry of classical strategic theory, British history, and emerging trends in technology, geopolitics, and conflict. He recognized that strategy was not a universal principle but a unique national construct, shaped by the unique circumstances and aspirations of each nation. With this understanding, Corbett set out to prepare the British state for war, emphasizing the importance of domestic social reform and the evolving British Commonwealth.

One of Corbett's most enduring contributions was his concept of a maritime strategy, which dominated by the control of global communications and economic war. This strategy proved resilient in the face of the debacle of 1914-18, when Britain mistakenly adopted the German way of war at an unprecedented cost in lives and resources. However, Corbett's ideas survived, and they would prove critical in the Second World War.

Churchill, the wartime Prime Minister, was deeply influenced by Corbett's ideas, and his conduct of the conflict from the Fall of France to D-Day was shaped by Corbett's vision of a maritime strategy. Corbett's ideas continued to influence British thinking long after his death, shaping the nation's strategic posture in the years to come.

In conclusion, Julian Corbett's ideas were catastrophically ignored in 1914, but they would ultimately shape Britain's success in the Second World War and beyond. Corbett's vision of a maritime strategy, combined with his commitment to domestic social reform and the British Commonwealth, laid the foundation for Britain's strategic dominance in the 20th century. His ideas continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of strategic thinking and the enduring impact of historical events on the course of nations.

Weight: 1020g
Dimension: 167 x 244 x 49 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300250732