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Strategy in History and (versus?) in Economics: A Review of Lawrence Freedman's Strategy: A History

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  • Avinash Dixit

Abstract

This essay reviews Lawrence Freedman's book "Strategy: A History". The main themes—definitions, strategies in war, business, politics, and revolutions—are overviewed. The value of game-theoretic thinking for practical strategy is assessed. A critical discussion of some concepts and dichotomies emphasized by Freedman, e.g., strategy is governed by the starting point, not the end point, and of the role of stories and scripts in strategy, follows. (JEL A11, A12, C70, D74)

Suggested Citation

  • Avinash Dixit, 2014. "Strategy in History and (versus?) in Economics: A Review of Lawrence Freedman's Strategy: A History," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 52(4), pages 1119-1134, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:52:y:2014:i:4:p:1119-34
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.52.4.1119
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dag Øivind Madsen & Kåre Slåtten, 2019. "Examining the Emergence and Evolution of Blue Ocean Strategy through the Lens of Management Fashion Theory," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-23, January.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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