THE ART AND SCIENCE OF WAR: AN APPROACH TO POLITICAL REALISM

Abstract

Utilizing the secondary sources of data and the realist theory, the paper examines the art of war and the science of war. Wars have remained a part of the historical attribute of human existence in the bid to survive in a competitive environment. Though the new international does not subscribe to war as a means and instrument of realizing national interest of states, the demonstration of military might resulting to wars have at various times been a means of attaining interests, especially by the big powers with the capacity. To overwhelm the enemy, superiority in preparation and execution of military activities becomes imperative. War materials starting from weaponry and other logistics remain product of science and moreover the complex nature of prosecution of war explains the role of military science. The art of war technically expresses the policy preparation and conduct of war, the translation of military science into military strategy, tactics, operational art or military action generally, particularly within clearly defined policy, goal or limit. The paper concluded that superiority in terms of art and science of war remains a prerequisite for successful execution of war even in a modern international system that frowns at war as means of actualizing the interests of states.