The Art of War

# The Art of War

## Part I: Strategic Assessments
- Laying Plans
  - The Five Fundamental Factors
    - Moral Law
    - Heaven
    - Earth
    - The Commander
    - Method and Discipline
  - The Seven Elements
    - Measurement
    - Estimation of Quantity
    - Calculation
    - Comparison
    - Chance
    - Directing
    - Victory
- Waging War
  - The Cost of War
    - Expenses
    - Logistics
    - Speed
  - Winning Swiftly
    - Quick Decisive Victory
    - Avoid Prolonged Warfare

## Part II: Tactical Maneuvering
- Attack by Stratagem
  - The Importance of Strategy
    - Preserve Resources
    - Subdue the Enemy Without Fighting
  - The Use of Spies
    - Knowing the Enemy
    - Deception
- Tactical Dispositions
  - Positioning
    - Strengths and Weaknesses
    - Adaptability
  - The Importance of Terrain
    - High Ground
    - Narrow Passes
    - Open Plains

## Part III: Offensive Strategy
- Energy
  - Momentum
    - Building Strength
    - Timing
  - Flexibility
    - Adapting to Circumstances
    - Exploiting Opportunities
- Weak Points and Strong
  - Exploiting Weaknesses
    - Avoid Strength, Attack Weakness
    - Deception and Misdirection
  - Creating Weaknesses
    - Diverting the Enemy
    - Psychological Warfare

## Part IV: Special Tactics
- Maneuvering
  - Movement of Troops
    - Speed and Agility
    - Secrecy
  - Terrain Awareness
    - Types of Terrain
    - Tactical Adjustments
- Variation in Tactics
  - Flexibility in Battle
    - Changing Strategies
    - Responding to Situations
  - Unorthodox Methods
    - Surprise Attacks
    - Unpredictability

## Part V: Leadership and Organization
- The Army on the March
  - Leading Troops
    - Morale
    - Discipline
  - Logistics
    - Supply Lines
    - Rest and Recovery
- Terrain
  - Understanding Terrain
    - Strategic Locations
    - Defensive Positions
  - Using Terrain to Advantage
    - Natural Barriers
    - Ambush Points

## Part VI: The Use of Intelligence
- The Nine Varieties of Ground
  - Different Types of Terrain
    - Dispersive Ground
    - Frontier Ground
    - Key Ground
  - Appropriate Actions
    - Retreat
    - Advance
    - Hold Position
- The Use of Spies
  - Five Types of Spies
    - Local Spies
    - Inside Spies
    - Double Agents
    - Expendable Spies
    - Living Spies
  - Gathering Intelligence
    - Observation
    - Interrogation
    - Espionage Networks

## Conclusion: Mastery of War
- The Ultimate Goal
  - Achieving Victory
    - Minimal Losses
    - Maximum Gains
  - Peace Through Strength
    - Deterrence
    - Stability