On Grand Strategy

Gaddis gives the reader a masterclass on the calculations (or lack of calculations) leaders have made in their eternal struggle between unlimited aspirations and limited assets and time to achieve those aspirations. I loved the author’s synthesis on Sun Tzu, Clausewitz and Abraham Lincoln in particular, although the book stretched from 480 B.C. to WW2. Therein lies my regret — I would have loved to hear Gaddis’ commentary on post WW2 events, or at least understand why they were omitted from the scope of the book.