Introduction

TY - CHAP

T1 - Introduction

AU - Gow, James

AU - Wilkinson, Benedict

PY - 2017/10/1

Y1 - 2017/10/1

N2 - Lawrence Freedman is a figure of significant distinction; who has had real world influence, yet whose theoretical depth and development has been largely overlooked. Is there anything distinctive in Freedman’s approach, a way of working, a methodology, or even the roots of a school of thought? How can we make sense of the extensive and diverse record? Is it possible to bring coherence to it? Is there a common theoretical, or methodological thread running through it? How far does this work of great impact have theoretical weight? Is there something more than chance and personality involved – a way of working with which academics can have real impact on issues of peace and security and produce intellectually meaningful work at the same time? How can we make sense of this record of conducting and supporting research that makes a difference in a way that also suggests coherence and a scholarly identity? Has a distinctive working method – a school of thought – emerged around ‘war studies’, without actually being given a name, under the leading influence of Freedman for thirty years (succeeding War Studies’ founder, Michael Howard)? This is the significant challenge outlined in this chapter and the volume it introduces.

AB - Lawrence Freedman is a figure of significant distinction; who has had real world influence, yet whose theoretical depth and development has been largely overlooked. Is there anything distinctive in Freedman’s approach, a way of working, a methodology, or even the roots of a school of thought? How can we make sense of the extensive and diverse record? Is it possible to bring coherence to it? Is there a common theoretical, or methodological thread running through it? How far does this work of great impact have theoretical weight? Is there something more than chance and personality involved – a way of working with which academics can have real impact on issues of peace and security and produce intellectually meaningful work at the same time? How can we make sense of this record of conducting and supporting research that makes a difference in a way that also suggests coherence and a scholarly identity? Has a distinctive working method – a school of thought – emerged around ‘war studies’, without actually being given a name, under the leading influence of Freedman for thirty years (succeeding War Studies’ founder, Michael Howard)? This is the significant challenge outlined in this chapter and the volume it introduces.

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9780190851163

BT - The Art of Creating Power

A2 - Wilkinson, Benedict James

A2 - Gow, James

PB - Oxford University Press

ER -