Abstract
This examination of British War Secretary George Cornewall Lewis and the gold standard memorandum he penned in 1862 (that proved instrumental in preventing British intervention in the American Civil War) offers insights for modern leaders on how to avoid institutional barriers to effective strategic thinking and political-strategic miscalculation through insightful analysis of potential liabilities and policy assumptions. It shows how outstanding strategic thinkers possess an informed and reflective filter to evaluate past, present, and anticipated events—developed through a good education, diverse practical experience, lifelong intellectual curiosity, empowerment, and access to senior leadership.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.55540/0031-1723.3277
Recommended Citation
Steven W. Knott, "The Art of Avoiding Strategic Miscalculation," Parameters 54, no. 1 (2024), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3277.