The Continuing Relevance of Strategic Studies in the Post-Cold War Era
Title:
The Continuing Relevance of Strategic Studies in the Post-Cold War Era
Author:
Baylis, J.
Appeared in:
Defence studies
Paging:
Volume 1 (2001) nr. 2 pages 1-14
Year:
2001
Contents:
With the end of the Cold War many felt that Strategic Studies had finally had its day as a field of intellectual enquiry. The utility of force was seen to be in decline and, to the extent that conflict remained an area of academic study, the focus was now on 'security' - broadly defined to take in a range of political, social, economic, environmental, as well as military aspects. In one sense, the reduced significance of Strategic Studies is understandable and in many respects it was too dominant as a sub-field of international politics during the Cold War, obscuring other important areas of the subject. However, this article argues that attempts by some to abolish the subject from the academic syllabus are not only premature, but unwise. As numerous conflicts since the end of the Cold War have demonstrated, the role of force remains a significant feature of state and world politics. Consequently, an understanding of strategy continues to be not only relevant but important in any study of international relations. In making the case for the continuing relevance of Strategic Studies, this article addresses three main issues: the nature of the subject; the criticisms that have been made - and continue to be made - of it; and whether it should be replaced by security studies.
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