In this book, the distinguished writer Edward Luttwak presents
the grand strategy of the eastern Roman empire we know as
Byzantine, which lasted more than twice as long as the more
familiar western Roman empire, eight hundred years by the shortest
definition. This extraordinary endurance is all the more remarkable
because the Byzantine empire was favored neither by geography nor
by military preponderance. Yet it was the western empire that
dissolved during the fifth century. The Byzantine empire so greatly
outlasted its western counterpart because its rulers were able to
adapt strategically to diminished circumstances, by devising new
ways of coping with successive enemies. It relied less on military
strength and more on persuasion to recruit allies, dissuade
threatening neighbors, and manipulate potential enemies into
attacking one another instead. Even when the Byzantines fought
which they often did with great skill they were less inclined to
destroy their enemies than to contain them, for they were aware
that today s enemies could be tomorrow s allies. Born in the fifth
century when the formidable threat of Attila s Huns were deflected
with a minimum of force, Byzantine strategy continued to be refined
over the centuries, incidentally leaving for us several fascinating
guidebooks to statecraft and war.
"The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire" is a broad,
interpretive account of Byzantine strategy, intelligence, and
diplomacy over the course of eight centuries that will appeal to
scholars, classicists, military history buffs, and professional
soldiers.
General
Imprint: |
The Belknap Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
November 2011 |
First published: |
2009 |
Authors: |
Edward N. Luttwak
|
Dimensions: |
235 x 155 x 35mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
498 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-674-06207-8 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
|
LSN: |
0-674-06207-8 |
Barcode: |
9780674062078 |
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