This study of the philosophy of war in early China examines the recurring debate, from antiquity through the Western Han period (202 BCE-8 CE), about how to achieve a proper balance between martial (wu) force and civil (wen) governance in the pursuit of a peaceful state. Rather than focusing solely on Sunzi's Art of War and other military treatises from the Warring States era (ca. 475-221 BCE), Christopher C. Rand analyzes the evolution of this debate by examining a broad corpus of early Han and pre-Han texts, including works uncovered in archeological excavations during recent decades. What emerges is a framework for understanding early China's military philosophy as an ongoing negotiation between three major alternatives: militarism, compartmentalism, and syncretism. The book offers a look into China's historical experience with a perennial issue that is not only of continuing relevance to modern-day China but also pertinent to other world states seeking to sustain strong and harmonious societies.

Chapter 1. The emergence of the Wen/wu problem -- The achievement of balance -- The western Zhou solution -- Evolution in Chunqiu times -- New solutions in the Zhanguo era -- Militarism -- Compartmentalism -- Syncretism -- Conclusion -- Chapter 2. The metaphysics of generalship -- The general as sage -- Psychical power -- Metaphysical dynamics -- The ultimate battle -- Conclusion -- Chapter 3. The practical and meta-practical -- Organizational models -- Training and administration -- Military law -- War preparedness -- Intelligence measures -- Collection and analysis -- Deception and covert action -- Views of military thinkers -- Conclusion -- Chapter 4. The moral dimension of war -- Laozi -- Kongzi -- Yanzi -- Mengzi -- Xunzi -- Mozi -- Songzi -- Military thinkers -- Conclusion -- Chapter 5. The permutations of western Han -- Realignment of solutions -- Wen/wu and foreign policy -- A double paradox -- Effects of social and institutional changes -- Conclusion.