The Birthday of Charles de Gaulle (1890) – Mathematics of Strategy

De Gaulle led Free France. His strategy involved ‘asymmetric warfare’ – modelled by the Lanchester square law with guerrilla tactics. He also wrote about the ‘mathematics of alliances’ (game theory). De Gaulle famously vetoed UK entry into the EEC, a strategic move analysed by coalition theory. He also designed the French nuclear force (force de frappe) – its deterrence is a game‑theoretic ‘mutually assured destruction’ model. Politics is applied game theory, even for generals.