Operational Art Study Day (Changing Character of War Programme)

PAST EVENT | 23 November 2016 09:00 - 23 November 2016 15:00

The Operational Art Study Day is part of the Changing Character of War Programme (CCW).

Speakers include: Lt Gen (rtd) Sir John Kiszel, Dr Bruce Gundmundsson, Dr Robert Johnson, Dr Eitan Shamir, Dr Dema Adamsky.

The study day will take place between 9am-3pm on 23rd November in the Harold Lee Room.

There have been some allegations that Operational Art in Western forces in the early twenty-first century is in crisis. A system developed to maximize efficiency against a conventional enemy appears to falter when confronted with violent non-state actors, insurgency or the new constraints imposed by a climate of cautious political leaders, intense media scrutiny and legal obligations. Is the criticism valid? Are the principles and processes that underpinned Operational Art redundant? Or is it that, in fact, the complexities of stabilisation missions and counter-insurgency have overwhelmed the functions of the operational level? Are there solutions?

Speakers will revisit the origins and purpose of the operational level of war, examine developments over recent decades and make suggestions about the future of Operational Art, or its replacement.

This event is free for all members of the University (with a valid blue Bodleian card), however registration is required. Please register for a place via Eventbrite. External participants are very welcome, but will pay a booking fee to cover the cost of lunch and refreshments.

The Changing Character of War Programme (CCW) is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of war and armed conflict. It is a successful, policy-relevant research programme based in Pembroke College, University of Oxford, and enjoying global influence and international partnerships. 

Operational Art Study Day (Changing Character of War Programme)

PAST EVENT | 23 November 2016 09:00 - 23 November 2016 15:00

The Operational Art Study Day is part of the Changing Character of War Programme (CCW).

Speakers include: Lt Gen (rtd) Sir John Kiszel, Dr Bruce Gundmundsson, Dr Robert Johnson, Dr Eitan Shamir, Dr Dema Adamsky.

The study day will take place between 9am-3pm on 23rd November in the Harold Lee Room.

There have been some allegations that Operational Art in Western forces in the early twenty-first century is in crisis. A system developed to maximize efficiency against a conventional enemy appears to falter when confronted with violent non-state actors, insurgency or the new constraints imposed by a climate of cautious political leaders, intense media scrutiny and legal obligations. Is the criticism valid? Are the principles and processes that underpinned Operational Art redundant? Or is it that, in fact, the complexities of stabilisation missions and counter-insurgency have overwhelmed the functions of the operational level? Are there solutions?

Speakers will revisit the origins and purpose of the operational level of war, examine developments over recent decades and make suggestions about the future of Operational Art, or its replacement.

This event is free for all members of the University (with a valid blue Bodleian card), however registration is required. Please register for a place via Eventbrite. External participants are very welcome, but will pay a booking fee to cover the cost of lunch and refreshments.

The Changing Character of War Programme (CCW) is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of war and armed conflict. It is a successful, policy-relevant research programme based in Pembroke College, University of Oxford, and enjoying global influence and international partnerships.