1. The Generic Strategic Option Model (Christophe de Landtsheer)

About the Generic Strategic Option Model

The simplicity of this matricial representation of generic strategic options is deceptive. It indicates, amongst many other issues relating to strategic thought, two salient facts: all strategy is determined by constraints in the first place, and, secondly, by culture.

Both Xenophon and Sun Tse have stressed the determining importance of an adaquate knowledge of the environment for military success. This understanding of strategy is universal: the environment (of which the ennemy is a part) determines the "freedom of action", or the strategic options available given specific environmental circumstances.

The way in which this "freedom of action" is used, is however, highly culturally determined. Western cultures will not easily understand how an attack strategy can be indirect. Filling out the four open quadrants of the matrix is not an easy task, and the way it is being done reveales cultural preconceptions (such as the relationship between war and diplomacy).

Characteristics painting 1-L-1-H-EDimensions: 150 x 242 x 4.5 cm
Colourscheme: 1
Lettertype: Helvetica
Language: English

Painting 1-L-1-H-E © 060119, butras

Acquired by the Vlerick Management School in 2011

Dr. Annick Van Rossem and prof. dr. Marc Buelens
posing in front of 1-L-1-H-E