This well-researched volume examines the Sino-Vietnamese hostilities of the late 1970s and 1980s, attempting to understand them as strategic, operational and tactical events.

Edward C. O'Dowd holds the Major General Matthew C. Horner Chair of Military Theory at the Marine Corps University, Quantico.

Introduction 1. Introduction Background 2. The Chinese Political Work System Narrative 3. Hanoi and Beijing on the Road to War 4. The 1979 Campaign 5. The Battle of Lang Son 6. Artillery Diplomacy: Waiting for the 'Second Lesson' Explorations 7. Crisis in Command: The Cadre System Under Stress in the Guangzhou Military Region 8. Political Work in the 1979 Campaign 9. Politics vs. Firepower: The Paradox of Maoist Tactics Conclusion 10. Conclusion: The Legacy of an 'Incredible, Shrinking War.' Appendix 1: Principles of the Political Work System. Appendix 2: Principal Duties of the Political Commissar