Comparing Theory and Practice - An Application of Complexity Theory to General Ridgway's Success in Korea (Paperback)

Complexity theory has attracted considerable interest from operational artists in recent times. However, because it is still an emerging field, there are few -if any - historical case studies that show how complexity applies to military operations. Using the comparison method, this review compares the similarities and differences between a historical case study and insights from complexity theory in order to evaluate the utility of complexity theory for military practice. The first three months of Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway's command of the Eighth Army during the Korean War is chosen for the historical case study, as an exemplar of successful operational command. Complexity theory is compared with how Ridgway understood, perceived, and approached the complexity of his operational environment. Complexity theory offers broad guidelines for action, such as: use simple rules to generate complex behavior; look at the system from multiple scales to gain better perspective; achieve a holistic picture of the situation by recognizing interdependence; and continually adapt to a changing environment. The comparative analysis shows good agreement between these recommendations of complexity theory and Ridgway's successful campaign. A significant implication of this research is that complexity theory and history can be complementary perspectives for appreciating operational art. Leaders who understand complexity theory as well as military history may be better prepared for the challenges they will face in an uncertain future.

General

Imprint:	Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	August 2012
First published:	August 2012
Authors:	Eldridge D Browne
Dimensions:	280 x 216 x 4mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	72
ISBN-13:	978-1-4792-1428-0
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Military history Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > War & defence operations > Battles & campaigns Books > Humanities > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > From 1900 > Postwar, from 1945 > General Books > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > From 1900 > Postwar, from 1945 > General Books > History > History of specific subjects > Military history Promotions
LSN:	1-4792-1428-0
Barcode:	9781479214280

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