Strategic Coercion: Concepts and Cases

Edited by Sir Lawrence Freedman

a series of good essays on coercion.  Includes history and early 21st Century examples from the real world.  Excellent background source for writing about coercion.

Coercion breaks down into two main elements:
1) Compellence -- demand of an action -- initiation of an action which ceases immediately when the opponent responds.

2) Deterrence -- demand of inaction -- what must not happen and the consequences; then waiting indefinitely.

Coercion then exists on a continuum from consent to control.

Good, theoretical work.

Book -- The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire

Luttwak's excellent piece on Romean grand strategy from the 1st Century A.D. to the 3rd.

There are some outstanding maps.  What brings the book to life is that I have stood on many of the locations that he details in the book.  I love this about history.

The ideas on border defense and the rationale behind an expanding and then contracting empire are intriguing.

The link between client states and deterrence is an interesting concept that deserves further study.

Great piece to re-read.

Book - War, Strategy and Intelligence

Michael Handel

Interesting source for different viewpoints on the subjects in the title.  Each of the essays emphasizes the limitations on the rational conduct of war.

Clausewitz in the Age of Technology, Diplomatic Surprise, and Strategic and Operational Deception are three of the best essays in the book.