Introduction to the special issue

Abstract

Since its substantive development after the Second World War, Strategic Studies has seen different waves of research foci, each rising as the other declines. This special issue uses a ‘fashion’ lens to analyse these frequent thematical shifts and their related conceptual creations. It looks at both long-term and short-term changes in strategic thought, addressing changes in content and their underlying dynamics and patterns. This issue contributes to our understanding of the history and sociology of Strategic Studies, but also sheds new light on recent debates in the field, including on hybrid warfare, counterinsurgency, and cyber war.