ABSTRACT
How does strategy ‘work’? This chapter marries RMA theory to the theory of strategy. Our intention is to shape a methodology appropriate for the focused comparisons undertaken as the case studies in Chapters 6-8. The discussion here proceeds from explanation of RMA phenomena as strategic behaviour, to present the essential elements of a theory of strategy. That theory should make sense of events claimed as RMAs, whether or not one is enamoured either of the RMA concept in general or of its application to a particular historical case. For example, there is no question but that the belligerents in the Great War behaved strategically in 1917-18. Whether or not they conceived of and implemented an RMA is another matter. Although the RMA concept is very much on stage in this chapter and those which follow, my principal focus and toolkit of enquiry is the structure and dynamics of strategic behaviour, not RMA theory.
