On the Nature of War

About the Book

The work develops what are called operational systems of maneuver. They refer to a harmonic set of different but related elements that work together with synergy to produce the complex and essential functions of military activity. There are few systems that include, in a global form, as many variables or elements that can affect operations. Understanding this allows one to better control and direct the whole complex phenomenon of war.

Thus, transitability refers to the system of the natural environment. Theoretically the natural environment encompasses the multiple factors of geography that have many effects on military operations within particular zones of operation. Geography affects operations by influencing mobility over a particular terrain.

These systems remain invariable throughout time in their conception, application, development and in results they produce. They serve as the "how to do" in a war, extending the good sense and flexibility of all commands and form part of the way thinking orientated towards the war, without substituting or diminishing the doctrine or regulations of the army, with which they coexist and cooperate.

About the Author

The author, Enrique Alonso, is 59 years old and has been for several years a collaborator of diverse Spanish and South Americans newspapers on topics of international politics and military themes, principally through the Spanish press agency EFE and Pueblo daily. In 1982 he published an essay on the guerrilla warfare in Angola, titled Operation Elephant.

Enrique Alonso has a Master's degree in Chemical Sciences. He has also specialised in Logistics for the Chamber of Trade in Madrid. He worked for Repsol for 33 years; during the last 20 years he served as the Chief of Logistics for the lube oils of the company.