Description
With the passing of Colin Gray, there is occasion to reflect upon his contributions to strategic thought. Gray’s contributions to strategy may be considered theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical. In this study, I focus upon the theoretical and pedagogical because they greatly contribute to an understanding of Gray as a unique strategist. Gray’s contributions to the pedagogy of strategy were myriad. Perhaps his greatest was his conception of strategy as more than an object of theoretical or empirical study—strategy and strategic knowledge had to be conveyed through people. Strategy had to be taught, and thus he placed considerable importance on the education and mentorship of strategists. As he identified, good strategy is influenced by many factors, including history, strategic culture, regime type, organizations, bureaucracies, and many other aspects of the state and society with which it is concerned. However, most importantly, it is informed by people: the strategists—a coterie of strategic thinkers. The focus upon the individual and mentorship defines Gray as a major scholar of strategic studies whose legacy is found in his scholarship and students.
