Military Operational Thinking in an Age of Artificial Intelligence

The perceived decline in military operational art may stem from a tension between different strategic thinking traditions, a problem exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence. The increasing use of AI in planning tends to favor the analytical, data-driven Anglo-American approach, which focuses on identifying an adversary's 'center of gravity'. This preference can obscure other valuable traditions, such as the German focus on contextual judgment or the Soviet concept of applying systemic pressure over time. Understanding these distinct historical approaches to warfare, including those from China, is critical for developing coherent and effective operational plans in a complex modern environment.