This book traces the historical development of strategic thinking from Clausewitz to the new wars of the 21st century. It has a dual objective: on one hand, it aims to demonstrate the analytical value of contributions from strategic theory in relation to the explanation and analysis of military violence, as well as the development of action-guiding strategies for the prevention and management of armed conflicts through exemplary case studies. On the other hand, the book presents itself as an appeal for a strategic perspective as the foundation of national and international security policy, which, despite the evident need for strategic orientation in Germany, has so far been inadequately represented in the debate.