Military Sciences: The Field

This chapter sets out to provide clarification and elaboration on what we talk about when we talk about Military Sciences as a field. It begins by unpacking the term “Military.” Here, both an outward demarcation toward other relevant concepts like war, defense, strategy, security, and peace are offered, as well as an inward description elaborating on what inherent traits constitute something being “military.” The next step addresses the term “science” by demonstrating how insights from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities influence the study of the military. Thereafter, disciplinary insights are presented and discussed. This part underscores the academic complexity and dynamism of Military Sciences, embracing a multifaceted methodology that includes disciplinary, sub-disciplinary, multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches. Lastly, the chapter introduces the thematic structure of the Handbook of Military Sciences project, in a manner that aims to serve as a roadmap for navigating the intricate landscape of Military Sciences as a field.