The New Art of War

“The New Art of War” by Colonel Geoffrey F. Weiss is a modern strategic guide that bridges the ancient theories of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz with contemporary and future warfare. Beginning with a philosophical and historical examination of war’s origins, Weiss traces how early civilizations developed the foundational concepts that continue to influence military thinking today.

Weiss then synthesizes enduring principles from past masters—Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Machiavelli, Jomini, Clausewitz, Liddell Hart, and Mao—into what he calls the “Unified War Theory.” This comprehensive framework differentiates between war’s immutable nature and its evolving character, offering a fresh lexicon and methodology to analyze conflict across domains and eras.

A major innovation in Weiss’s work is his concept of “viscosity,” which he uses to explain the dynamic tension between regular and irregular forms of warfare. He also presents practical tools for forecasting future conflict, grounded in his background as an Air Force Colonel and strategist, and infused with scientific and philosophical rigor.

Weiss argues that understanding strategic theory is essential not just for winning wars, but for preserving peace and reducing human suffering. His book offers a timely, essential resource for military professionals, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper, more coherent language and analytic framework to think critically about global conflict now and into the future.