Science, Strategy and War The Strategic Theory of ... - Boekje Pienter

destruction and creation to his investigation, he uncovers underlying dynamics of each modeof warfare and expresses these in an increasingly abstract and conceptual way. It implicitlymanifests an increasing application of systems-theoretical perspectives. Expressed within thecontext of adaptation, he shows conceptual similarities between very distinct modes ofwarfare. Gradually he unfolds a novel conceptualization of tactics, grand tactics, strategy andgrand strategy that revolves around the process of adaptation in which open, complexadaptive systems are constantly engaged in. Already it has thus become evident that Boyd’swork contains much more than “only” the rapid OODA loop idea. Patterns shows Boyd paysattention to the different levels of war and to different modes of warfare. It addresses theintimate connection between the physical, mental and moral dimensions of war. Moreover,it shows a constant focus on cohesion and highlights various methods to decrease enemycohesion at the different levels of war. The following presentations will reinforce theimpression that Boyd’s work is indeed comprehensive and focussed on the theme ofadaptation.232