39 Alexander as a Military Genius

Alexander’s Strategy

Goal of absolute conquest

All or nothing

No concept of limited victory for attainable goals

Decisive victory

Aimed at destroying enemy’s army and will to resist

Excellent intelligence

Spies, scouts, explorers and collaborators

Superb logistics

Well trained and disciplined army

Modern strategic principles

Employ all power of the state to war

Maintenance of the Aim

Security

Establish bases

Lines of communication

Mobility

Speed

Pursuit

Offensive

Use of force

Economy of force

Reserves, rest

Use as little force as necessary to accomplish the goal

Concentration of force

Surprise

Improvisation

Cool-headedness

Psychology of War

Psychological victory is crucial

It is not enough to defeat an enemy

Make them realize that you are undefeatable

= removing hope of victory

Terror

Massacre resisting cities

Violently and completely suppress all rebellions

Rewards

Generosity in defeat

Generosity to troops in pay

Conciliation when supremacy is recognized

Share power with collaborationists

Bribery

Leadership

Modern bureaucratic leadership vs. ancient personal leadership

Charisma

Ineffable ability to win-over people

Fought in the front ranks

Shared the dangers and life of the common soldiers

Propaganda

Justification for wars

Revenge

Spread Hellenism

Religion and war

Holy war

Sacrifices, honoring gods, victory from gods

Image of god-king

Image of military invincibility

Need to win over the conquered peoples

Marginally successful in the West

much less successful in the East

Lost the hearts of his closest officers