This Programme studies the relationship of military strategy to the objectives of governments on the one hand, and to operational art and tactics on the other. It tackles the building blocks of military action, such as suasion and destruction, and the moral and legal arguments for and against the use of the military.

History is an important source of insight and the Programme runs the Military History Circle for members. The Circle is at the dentre of a large network of professional and private military historians and publishers of military history. It meets ten times a year, usually at lunchtime.