A review of the Thirty-Six Strategems - FULL TEXT HERE.
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Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) has faced the challenging task of leading a Unity Government in Malaysia, which necessitates balancing the conflicting demands of coalition partners, public expectations from the Reformasi movement, and the realities of governing in a politically divided landscape. This context has compelled him to adopt strategies that reflect many principles found in the Thirty-Six Stratagems, particularly those focused on managing coalitions, navigating opposition, and implementing unpopular policies.
The Thirty-Six Stratagems (The Strategems) is an ancient Chinese text that provides a collection of strategies primarily designed for military tactics but also applicable to politics, diplomacy, and business. Its origins, authorship, and historical context, while somewhat obscure, provide a fascinating backdrop for its use in domestic politics and its comparison to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.
When Was It Written?
Stratagems’ script was derived from the collective wisdom of ancient Chinese generals and thinkers, potentially during the Warring States Period (475–221 BCE) or later during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE).
However, the text as we know it today was first formally documented during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) or Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).
Indeed, there are evidenced suggestions that the stratagems were in oral circulation for centuries, serving as a mnemonic tool for military and political leaders.
Why Was It Written?
The purpose of the Thirty-Six Stratagems was to distill complex strategies into simple, memorable aphorisms for leaders, commanders, and statesmen.
It focuses on practical and flexible tactics for achieving objectives in adversarial situations, emphasizing deception, misdirection, and adaptability.
I. STRATEGIES
In this short paper, we shall attempt an analysis of how Anwar (PMX) has been able to apply selective strategies from The Stratagems.
The Thirty-Six Strategems - FULL TEXT is accessible HERE
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Governance grappling with a Gramsci's hegemony