Journal Article - International Security

Shifts in Warfare and Party Unity: Explaining China’s Changes in Military Strategy

    Author:
  • M. Taylor Fravel
| Winter 2017/18

Summary

Two factors determine whether China makes major changes in military strategy: shifts in the international conduct of warfare and unity of the Chinese Communist Party leadership. When the leadership agrees on basic policies and authority structure, it can delegate significant responsibility for military affairs to the People’s Liberation Army, which can in turn adjust strategy to respond to military innovation.

For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:

M. Taylor Fravel, "Shifts in Warfare and Party Unity: Explaining China’s Changes in Military Strategy," International Security, Vol. 42, No. 3 (Winter 2017/18), pp. 37–83, doi:10.1162/ISEC_a_00304.

The Author