Books That Matter: The Art of War - Andrew R. Wilson, The Great Courses

Written by Andrew R. Wilson, The Great Courses
Read by Andrew R. Wilson
Format: M4B
Bitrate: 128 Kbps
Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 02-05-26

The Art of War, also known as the Sūnzǐ, is a classic Chinese text on competitive strategy. It has influenced modern military and political strategists, East and West, and is considered a major landmark in the history of strategic thought. In these 12 lectures, Professor Wilson leads you in plumbing the depths of the text, understanding its historical context and profile, while grasping its application to contemporary politics, business, sports, and more, as you explore:

The Political Terrain of Ancient China. Dig deeply into the military and political culture of China’s Warring States era, spanning the 8th to the 4th centuries BCE. Learn the legend of the general Sun Tzu, and his ideology which comprises of The Art of War.
Foundations of the Sūnzǐ. In the shift from chariot to infantry warfare, track the factors which mandated more complex logistical organization; examine the Sūnzǐ’s call for a new kind of military leadership, rooted in intellect, expertise, and professionalism.
Integral Principles of Strategy. Across four lectures, examine the foundational tenets of competitive strategy, encompassing command and method, mastery of weather and terrain, management of energy and timing, and the complex matters of espionage and deception.
The Global Reach of The Art of War. Witness how the Sūnzǐ’s influence spread across Asia, its transmission to 18th century Europe, and its adoption in the 20th century by military and Cold War strategists in China and the West.
The Sūnzǐ in the 21st Century. Investigate how the Chinese People’s Liberation Army makes use of the text. Note the explosion of PLA studies of the Sūnzǐ, and their current focus on high-tech and cyber warfare.

Through a detailed and penetrating examination of the text, Books That Matter: The Art of War offers you a fascinating excursion into strategic thinking, as it has figured in human affairs from the battlefields of ancient China to today’s complex political and economic landscape.