Asian Studies

    The Art of War is one of the classical works about military strategies and tactics. It was written by Sun Tzu in the 6th century B.C. and considered as a fundamental text about warfare. At the time of its publication, the book was mainly used to develop strategies in war.

    The book states that in order to achieve successful result, five fundamental factors (moral law, heaven, earth, commander, and management) are to be considered. Failure to evaluate these factors will lead to defeat. Numbers does not define the victorious in a battle, unity is much more important in order to be successful. It is also essential to realize the economy of war because understanding the economy greatly helps limit the cost of battles. Sources are one of the key elements in order to be triumphant in a battle. Securing the existing position is also of great importance it will provide opportunity to prepare for an attack and it will also give the enemy the ability to defend. According to Sun Tzu, the same principle applies when controlling larger number of men and smaller number of units (128i).

    In fighting, direct combat is always used when entering a battle but indirect methods is one of the most effective ways in ensuring victory. Being creative and accurate execution of strategy will result in building up the momentum. The quality of the decision will determine whether the attack will be premature or overwhelming.

    Determining the weak point of the enemy is also of vital importance. Revealing the vulnerable area of the enemy ensure successful attack and at the same time, recognizing own weak point will enhance the capability to defend. So in battle, the approach is to avoid the strong portion and attack the vulnerable area of the enemy.

    In maneuvering, Sun Tzu stresses that balance and harmony is of great importance. When marching an army fully equipped, the chance of achieving an advantage is narrowed because the army will only be delayed. On the other hand, dispatching an army abruptly, sacrificing the loads and baggage will lead to insufficient provision. In directing an army, do not attack enemy whose anger is intense and always be cautious about bait offered by the enemy. When the enemy is totally surrounded, do not press too hard and always keep an outlet especially when the enemy is desperate.

    The most significant part of Sun Tzus work is the use of spies. Even in recent times, spy is one of the most effective tools to gain an advantage over an enemy. According to Sun Tzu Knowledge about the opponents disposition cannot be obtain inductively by experience, it can only be achieved from other men. Sun Tzu described these spies into five classifications (1) local spies (2) inward spies (3) converted spies (4) doomed spies (5) surviving spies. Spies are the most important element in battle because the armies movement and success greatly depends on the information that a spy could provide.

    Although the books primary use is for warfare, it is also applied in business tactics in recent time. Sun Tzu emphasizes that positioning is the most vital part in military tactics where it is affected by objective conditions of the environment and subjective opinions of the competitive body in that environment. He also point out that strategy is not merely following instructions in a well established plan but rather it is a technique on how to cope up to changing condition in a quick, proper and suitable response.