Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides theoretical insights stemming from previous times while at the same time showing their direct or indirect relevance for today's militaries' decision-making, training and operations. It intends to provide views and insights that will help the military to innovate their organizations and practices, not necessarily in the usual functional way of innovating, but in a broader manner. The book considers a presentation and discussion of sociological capita selecta that are relevant to the military. Even though these capita selecta from sociology may seem quite varied and different, it will soon become clear that there are common and recurring themes. The book provides a whole gamut of ideas, theories and empirical studies that perhaps may seem overwhelming and possibly even disorienting at first.