Studies in Generalship : Lessons from the Chiefs of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces

A deep dive into the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces, offering lessons for military leaders and students of strategy.

What makes a successful military leader? Studies in Generalship analyzes the role of the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), drawing lessons applicable to military leaders and strategists worldwide. Through close examinations of key historical moments―the Yom Kippur War, the Lebanon Wars, and the Syrian Civil War―Meir Finkel provides a lucid investigation of the decisions and actions of the IDF chief of staff within a complex political-military sphere.

• Understand the essential elements of effective military leadership in democratic societies.
• Develop strategic acumen and leadership ability.
• Gain insight into the qualities citizens should expect in senior leaders.

This volume is an important resource for scholars of military history and students of Middle East studies, as well as anyone interested in understanding the qualities of effective senior leaders.

Meir Finkel, brigadier general (res.), an armor brigade commander in the Second Lebanon War, is the current head of research and former director of the Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies/IDF J3. He is the author, most recently, of Military Agility: Ensuring Rapid and Effective Transition from Peace to War. Finkel holds an MA in neurobiology and PhDs in evolutionary biology, political science, and prehistoric archaeology. H. R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University, where he is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and a lecturer in the Graduate School of Business. He was the 26th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs.