Abstract

Shaping Strategy examines the mechanisms civilian and military leaders use as they decide to engage in war. Specifically it explains success and failure in strategic assessment – the processes and practices nations use to evaluate their strategies in interstate conflict. Brooks carefully lays out a theory, which identifies four key types of strategic assessment. When military and civilian leaders are free to share information privately information sharing (1) is effective. Strategic coordination (2) includes structures compatible with political objects that effectively evaluate military operational plans and military strategies. Authorization (3) incorporates decision processes that follow assessment. Militaries with the ability to be self-critical exhibit structural competence (4). Military promotion mechanisms are a key component here.