What, you may well ask, is a strategos?
The word is classical Ionian greek and is most commonly translated into english as “general” (you can take a look at the Wiki on “Strategos” for a capsule history or read part 61 of Aristotle’s The Athenian Constitution.) While that word implies purely military duties in english, the original does not (at least in the classical context.) The strategoi of 5th century BCE Athens were the principle political leaders of the polis, with concerns for both internal and external security and prosperity. They led by many means, but the best of them chose persuasion and the force of well made argument to win their way in the Assembly and guide policy in ways beneficial to the demos and the polis.
This blog has been set up to follow in the ideological tradition of these 5th century BCE strategoi. Its intent is to offer, as they did, advice to the Assembly on all matters relating to the security of this grand polis we call home.
It is hoped that a new set of strategoi might yet emerge in our society. It was an institution that kept Athenian democracy strong for a century or more, not a small accomplishment. We would do well, despite the more Roman origins of our own republican model, to try to emulate the Athenians in their regard for those who make strategy. But we must also keep in mind their wrath at strategies that failed, and the fate of strategoi who abused or misused their office. It is to those who have political charge of the nation, ultimately, that the task of choosing and executing strategy falls, but we all have our parts in its formation. If nothing else, we must make sure that those who lead do not fail to know the will of the demos and that they, in turn, know what their leaders have done and why. Then the real interests of this nation will at least begin to be served.
