Marine Corps War College

• I was not the only one looking for insights from the sage Sunzi, also known as Sun Tzu, who died over 2,500 years ago.
• “Art of War” has long been mined for an understanding of China’s strategic tradition and universal military truths.
• To comprehend “Art of War,” it helps readers to approach the text from the worldview of its author.
• That means reading Sunzi’s advice through the prism of classical Chinese metaphysics, which is deeply shaped by the philosophy of Daoism.

Daoist roots

• Though a time of conflict, it was also a time of cultural and intellectual development that led to the rise of Daoism and Confucianism.
• Confucian philosophy focuses on maintaining proper social relationships as the key to moral behavior and and social harmony.
• Meanwhile, the “Dào,” or “the way,” directs all things in nature toward fulfilling their inherent potential, like water flowing downhill.

Helping nature take its course

• For example, Chapter Five explains how those who are “expert at war” are not overly concerned with individual soldiers.
• Instead, effective leaders are able to determine the potential in the situation and put themselves in position to take advantage of it.
• This is why later chapters spend so much time discussing geography and deployment of forces, rather than fighting techniques.
• One does more to damage an opponent’s potential by undermining their scheme than by merely killing their soldiers.

From the battlefield to the UN

• Therefore, in foreign policy, a decision-maker should attempt to make small policy adjustments as early as possible to slowly manage the development of the international environment.
• This approach is evident in Beijing’s use of “guānxì.” Meaning “relationships,” the Chinese term carries a strong sense of mutual obligation.

Trend-watching today

• Sunzi might say that discerning the current trend in the Taiwan Strait is more essential than conventional questions about comparative military strength.
• Several factors could push Taiwan closer to Beijing, including the island’s loss of diplomatic allies and the pull of the PRC’s massive economy – not to mention Beijing’s growing global clout vis-à-vis the U.S.
• If so, shì is in Beijing’s favor, and a nudge to persuade the U.S. to stay out is all that is needed to keep the situation developing to the PRC’s advantage.
• However, an understanding of “shì” highlights Sunzi’s emphasis on evaluating and nurturing situational potential.

• Most UTI campuses are outfitted with a veteran-friendly space and UTI offers the Salute to Service Grant, which gives eligible veterans a 10% tuition discount.
• "Veterans are highly trained, talented and agile, and among the most dedicated, capable and disciplined students and employees we've met," said Jerome Grant, chief executive officer of UTI.
• Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard."
• For more information on UTI's Military and Veterans Services, visit https://www.uti.edu/support-services/military-veteran-services .

• University of Phoenix joined non-profit Arizona Heroes to Hometowns in supporting the annual Turkeys to Troops meal donation drive on Sunday, November 20, in Mesa, Arizona.
• The annual event focuses on supporting veterans and their families across the Phoenix region with a complete Thanksgiving meal.
• Since 2008, AZ Heroes to Hometowns has served over 20,000 Arizona military families with a Thanksgiving dinner.
• University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world.

• Equitable President Nick Lane will be honored with the 2022 Marine Corps University Foundation (MCU Foundation) and Alumni Association Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award today at the Union League Club in New York City.
• The Marine Corps University Foundation welcomed back the John H. Russell Leadership Award Luncheon this year after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
• All of us at Equitable extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nick on receiving the Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award, says Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH ) CEO and President Mark Pearson.
• Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) (NY, NY), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company, and Equitable Distributors, LLC.