This book provides the reader with a state-of-the-art introduction to classic and modern military theory. The text accounts for the most important theories within the field by developing and analysing these theories, as well as problematising both their normative and explanatory aims. It is a book about military theory that does not only reflect a single way of relating to knowledge of war and warfare. Indeed, it is precisely by introducing contrasting perspectives as well as constantly criticising the theories that learning is furthered.

This work investigates the use and utility of military force in modern war. The volume poses as its central question: what is in fact the utility of force? It also explores whether force is useful for anything other than a complete conventional defeat of a regular opponent.