Theory of warfare and military science Books

Book SynopsisFor as long as there have been wars there have been fears about the next war. Where are the new dangers? What is the best defence? How might peace come about? This is the history of how over the last 150 years we have tried - rightly and wrongly - to predict war''s future. ''Britain''s leading academic strategist ... read this book'' Economist''Insightful and opinionated ... expertly covers centuries of evolving mayhem'' Gary J. Bass, The New York Times''A bonfire of predictions ... Freedman''s purpose in this wise book is to discern patterns in the way we have thought about war''s future'' Shashank Joshi, Financial Times''It reflects the author''s immense knowledge and wisdom. It should feed our humility, because it reminds us of mankind''s unlimited capacity for folly'' Max Hastings, The TimesTrade ReviewWhat is most impressive about the book is the author's erudition and the lightness with which he wears it -- Christopher Coker * Literary Review *Arguably Britain's leading academic strategist examines how ideas about how future wars could be fought have shaped the reality, with usually baleful results. ... His message to policymakers is to beware those who tout "the ease and speed with which victory can be achieved while underestimating the resourcefulness of adversaries". Anybody who thinks otherwise should read this book * Economist *It reflects the author's immense knowledge and wisdom. It should feed our humility, because it reminds us of mankind's unlimited capacity for folly; and also of the need to sustain defences against all manner of threats, because the only certainty is that the next peril to confront us will be the one we least expect -- Max Hastings * The Times *

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Book SynopsisA stunning Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of the world's most famous military treatise, by the award-winning translator of the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching For more than two thousand years, Sun-tzu's The Art of War has provided leaders with essential advice on battlefield tactics and management strategies. An elemental part of Chinese culture, it has also become a touchstone for the Western struggle for survival and success, whether in battle, in business, or in relationships. Now, in this crisp, accessible translation, eminent scholar John Minford brings this seminal work to life for today's readers. Capturing the literary quality of the work, Minford presents the core text in two formats: first, the unadorned ancient words of wisdom ascribed to Sun-tzu; then, the same text with extensive running commentary from the canon of traditional Chinese commentators. A lively, learned introduction and other valuable apparatus round out thisTrade Review"The strategic advice that [The Art of War] offers concerns much more than the conduct of war. It is an ancient book of proverbial wisdom, a book of life." —John Minford, from the IntroductionTable of ContentsThe Art of WarAcknowledgmentsIntroductionA Note on the TextSuggestions for Further ReadingA List of Chinese CommentatorsCronologiesDyanastiesHistorical EventsThe Art of WarChapter 1: Making of PlansChapter 2: Waging of WarChapter 3: Strategic OffensiveChapter 4: Forms and DispositionsChapter 5: Potential EnergyChapter 6: Empty and FullChapter 7: The FrayChapter 8: The Nine ChangesChapter 9: On the MarchChapter 10: Forms of TerrainChapter 11: The Nine Kinds of GroundChapter 12: Attack by FireChapter 13: EspionageThe Art of War with CommentaryChapter 1: Making of PlansChapter 2: Waging of WarChapter 3: Strategic OffensiveChapter 4: Forms and DispositionsChapter 5: Potential EnergyChapter 6: Empty and FullChapter 7: The FrayChapter 8: The Nine ChangesChapter 9: On the MarchChapter 10: Forms of TerrainChapter 11: The Nine Kinds of GroundChapter 12: Attack by FireChapter 13: Espionage

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Book SynopsisMilitary veterans have had the most intensive leadership training, mentoring, and experience available anywhere. Many return to their communities seeking to apply what they learned. What they are likely to find among those in public administration is not a welcome embrace for military training and experience. Instead veterans are more likely to encounter a misimpression that it is not of much use, which is becoming more widespread in society as fewer among those in power have served in the military or are close to anyone who did. But contrary to the popular misimpression, military leadership principles and methods are not just about using authority and giving orders. They are based on interpersonal dynamics learned from experience and reflection. Unsurprisingly effective leadership in civil emergencies - as shown on 9/11 and during Hurricane Katrina - depends on the same kind of demeanor, decisiveness, and trustworthiness as in combat. But good leadership is fundamentally the same in d

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Book SynopsisToday, artists are engaged in investigation. They probe corruption, state violence, environmental destruction and repressive technologies. At the same time, fields not usually associated with aesthetics make powerful use of it. Journalists and legal professionals pore over open source videos and satellite imagery to undertake visual investigations. This combination of diverse fields is what the authors call "investigative aesthetics": mobilising sensibilities often associated with art, architecture and other such practices to find new ways of speaking truth to power.This book draws on theories of knowledge, ecology and technology, evaluates the methods of citizen counter-forensics, micro-history and art, and examines radical practices such as those of Wikileaks, Bellingcat, and Forensic Architecture. Investigative Aesthetics takes place in the studio and the laboratory, the courtroom and the gallery, online and in the streets, as it strives towards the construction of a new 'common sensing'.The book is an inspiring introduction to a new field that brings together investigation and aesthetics to change how we understand and confront power today.To Nour Abuzaid for your brilliance, perseverance, and unshaken belief in the liberation of Palestine.Trade ReviewThe most astonishing book on architecture that I have read in years. -- Edwin Heathcote, Financial Times * [for Hollow Land] *A masterpiece of political analysis. -- James Ron, The Nation * [for Hollow Land] *Weizman boldly attempts to create an entirely new method to conceptualize the relationship between surfaces, movement, and the tools of war -- Achille Mbembe * [for Hollow Land] *Eyal Weizman's work has become an indispensable source of both insight and guidance in these difficult times -- Paul GilroyWeizman continues to offer daring social and political commentary, questioning taken-for-granted structures and processes that perpetuate oppression and violence -- Legacy Russell, BOMB Magazine * [For The Least of All Possible Evils] *A fascinating treatise on how our political world functions today and how we might seek to interrupt it. -- Jack Smurthwaite * Art Monthly *Expansive ... [Fuller and Weizman] explore sense and sense-making in its fullest political terms: understanding the systemic forces of capitalism as well as an individual's sense of morality. -- Chris Hayes * Tribune *Sharp ... [Investigative Aesthetics] is invaluable as a hyper-aesthetic object itself. -- Michael Eby * Los Angeles Review of Books *Aesthetics is a battleground, a contested space; Investigative Aesthetics is part battle-plan or tactical guide and, more fundamentally, part user's manual for surviving this beautiful and terrifying world. -- Mark Rappolt * ArtReview *An undeviating announcement of the subversive potential of contemporary aesthetic practices. -- Lawrence Abu Hamdan * The White Review, Books of the Year 2021 *

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author Robert Greene comes a new guide to the strategies of war that can help us gain mastery in the modern world. Spanning world civilisations, and synthesising dozens of political, philosophical, and religious texts, The Concise 33 Strategies of War is a guide to the subtle social game of everyday life. Based on profound and timeless lessons, it is abundantly illustrated with examples of the genius and folly of everyone from Napoleon to Margaret Thatcher and Hannibal to Ulysses S. Grant, as well as diplomats, captains of industry and Samurai swordsmen.Trade ReviewTranslatable to virtually every facet of daily life...a rich mine of ideas and information...readable and stimulating. * Scotland on Sunday *Very good...An enormous number of directed anecdotes from warfare, politics and the arts. * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisAnyone interested in military history or indeed history in general will find it fascinating to read.' The SpectatorTrade Review"'Anyone interested in military history or indeed history in general will find it fascinating to read.' Spectator 'Pure, almost illicit pleasure... What makes these essays tremendously diverting is how little they strain one's sense of credibility.' Andrew Roberts, Sunday Telegraph 'These informed, elegant essays authoritively analyse incidents over the past 3,000 years.' The Times 'One of the delights of the book is that broad speculative analysis is built from a mass of exciting detail. This make for a top-class bed-side read.' Financial Times"

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Book SynopsisTranslated by Yuan Shibing and J.J.L.Duyvendak. With introductions by Robert Wilkinson. The two political classics in this book are the product of a time of intense turmoil in Chinese history. Dating from the Period of the Warring States (403-221BC), they anticipate Machiavelli's The Prince by nearly 2000 years. The Art of War is the best known of a considerable body of Chinese works on the subject. It analyses the nature of war, and reveals how victory may be ensured. The Book of Lord Shang is a political treatise for the instruction of rulers. These texts are anything but armchair strategy or ivory-tower speculation. They are serious, urgent and practical responses to the desperate situations in which they were written. They have been immensely influential both inside and outside China.

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.The ancient Chinese art of warfare written by military strategist Sun Tzu in the 5th century BC.

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Book SynopsisCHRISTOPHER PIKE’s first book in his trilogy Making Sense of War examined war as a social phenomenon. About War (2021) explained why war, organised violence, happens. War in Context shows – through examples from history – how the state legitimises war and how war legitimises the state, and how Britain has used military force in the past. Pike asks: is war necessary? Can it be predicted? Is terrorism war? Is terrorism effective and how should it be countered? What were the implications of al Qaeda’s attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon in September 2001? What then might be the effect on world stability of America’s less assertive leadership? War in Context looks at deterrence, the basis for nuclear strategy; and the strategic implications of such modern phenomena as cyborgs, Artificial Intelligence and Drones. But the human factor is emphasised – the moral and physical pressure on commanders of robots and hypersonic missiles. Above all, it is humans who decide how and when death is delivered. Science increases the intensity of battle, but man, not the machine, controls the outcome. The book ends with an assessment of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Book SynopsisLittle is known about Sun Tzu (544-496 B.C.) and his life during the Warring States period after the decline of the Zhou dysnasty, but his classic, The Art of War, has been one of the central works of Chinese literature for 2500 years.John Minford (editor/translator) studied Chinese at Oxford and at the Australian National University and has taught in China, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. He edited (with Geremie Barme) Seeds of Fire: Chinese Voices of Conscience and (with Joseph S. M. Lau) Chinese Classical Literature: An Anthology of Translations. He has translated numerous works from the Chinese, including the last two volumes of the Penguin Classics edition of Cao Xueqin's eighteenth-century novel The Story of the Stone and the martial-arts fiction of the contemporary Hong Kong novelist Louis Cha.Trade Review"The strategic advice that [The Art of War] offers concerns much more than the conduct of war. It is an ancient book of proverbial wisdom, a book of life." —John Minford, from the Introduction

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the classic The Wizards of Armageddon and Pulitzer Prize finalist comes the definitive history of American policy on nuclear war—and Presidents’ actions in nuclear crises—from Truman to Trump.Fred Kaplan, hailed by The New York Times as “a rare combination of defense intellectual and pugnacious reporter,” takes us into the White House Situation Room, the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s “Tank” in the Pentagon, and the vast chambers of Strategic Command to bring us the untold stories—based on exclusive interviews and previously classified documents—of how America’s presidents and generals have thought about, threatened, broached, and just barely avoided nuclear war from the dawn of the atomic age until today. Kaplan’s historical research and deep reporting will stand as the permanent record of politics. Discussing theories that have dominated nightmare scenarios from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Kaplan presents the unthinkable in terms of mass destruction and demonstrates how the nuclear war reality will not go away, regardless of the dire consequences.

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Book SynopsisKarl von Clausewitz''s study On War was described by the American strategic thinker Bernard Brodie as ''not simply the greatest, but the only great book about war''. It is hard to disagree. Even though he wrote his only major work at a time when the range of firearms was fifty yards, much of what he had to say remains relevant today. Michael Howard explains Clausewitz''s ideas in terms both of his experiences as a professional soldier in the Napoleonic Wars, and of the intellectual background of his time. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition 'as a synthesis of Clausewitz scholarship this study can hardly be faulted' * English Historical Review *'a delightful introduction to the paradoxes and insights of this passionate rationalist.' * London Review of Books *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Clausewitz in his time ; 2. Theory and practice in war ; 3. Ends and means in war ; 4. Limited and absolute war ; 5. The legacy of Clausewitz ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIn this landmark work of international relations theory, first published in 1959, the eminent realist scholar Kenneth N. Waltz offers a foundational analysis of the nature of conflict between states.Table of ContentsForeword to the 2018 Anniversary Edition, by Stephen M. WaltPreface to the 2001 EditionPreface to the 1959 Edition1. Introduction2. The First Image: International Conflict and Human Behavior3. Some Implications of the First Image: The Behavioral Sciences and the Reduction of Interstate Violence4. The Second Image: International Conflict and the Internal Structure of States5. Some Implications of the Second Image: International Socialism and the Coming of the First World War6. The Third Image: International Conflict and International Anarchy7. Some Implications of the Third Image: Examples from Economics, Politics, and History8. ConclusionBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisAs a concept, deterrence has launched a thousand books and articles. It has dominated Western strategic thinking for more than four decades. In this important and groundbreaking new book, Lawrence Freedman develops a distinctive approach to the evaluation of deterrence as both a state of mind and a strategic option.Table of Contents1. The rise and fall of deterrence 6 2. The meaning of deterrence 26 3. Deterrence in practice 43 4. Norms and criminality 60 5. After the Cold War 75 6. From deterrence to pre-emption 84 7. Strategic coercion 109 8. The future of deterrence 116

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Book SynopsisEVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT WAR IS WRONG. We are living in an age of conflict: Russia''s resurgence and China''s rise, global terrorism, international criminal empires, climate change and dwindling natural resources.But while the West has been playing the same old war games, the enemy has a new strategy.The rules have changed, and we are dangerously unprepared. Former paratrooper Sean McFate has been on the front lines of conflict, and seen first-hand the horrors of battle. As a Professor of Strategy, he understands the complexity of the current military situation. In this new age of war: Plausible deniability is more potent than firepower Russia has become a disinformation superpower, twisting the West''s perception of reality Sanctions are blunt instruments that starve only the masses, not the elite Victory will belong to the cunning, not the strong New types of world powers will ruleLearn how to triumph in the coming age of conflict in ten new rules. Adapt and we can prevail. Fail, and size and strength won''t protect us.This is The Art of War for the 21st century.__________''Some of what he says makes more sense than much of what comes out of the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence'' Max Hastings, Sunday Times''Thought-provoking'' Johnathon Evans, Former Head of MI5''Fascinating and disturbing'' EconomistTrade ReviewThe Freakonomics of modern warfare * Conn Iggulden *An important book * Sir Richard Dearlove, former Director of MI6 *Lively and provocative ... laced with examples from the history of conflict as well as his own career as a soldier * Sir Lawrence Freedman *A thought-provoking book. Sean McFate has admirably captured the challenges we face with an evolving character of warfare. Technology and the pervasiveness of information have blurred the distinction between peace and war and have opened up seams that our opponents are ruthlessly exploiting, utilising weapons that don't need to go bang -- General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence StaffThought-provoking. Sean McFate puts his finger on key issues for Western security * Jonathan Evans, former head of MI5 *His iconoclastic book is being hailed by radicals as a wake-up call to governments and armed forces everywhere, to stop doing all the wrong things; to start doing a few right ones . . . Some of what he says makes more sense than much of what comes out of the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence * Max Hastings, Sunday Times *Radical thoughts on the West's approach to modern warfare * Sunday Times, Must Reads *A well-crafted indictment of The West's failure to keep pace with the changing face of warfare. The soldier is taught to improvise, adapt, and overcome. In Goliath, Sean McFate shows The West how it can do the sameA fascinating and disturbing book * Economist *Essential Reading -- General Stanley McChrystalStunning. McFate is the new Sun Tzu -- Admiral James StavridisMcFate understands his subject from the inside... excellent -- General Sir Rupert SmithMy summer surprise - the sharpest account of the dilemmas of war and peace I've read for years * Robert Fox, Evening Standard *Why do western powers keep getting beaten when they go to war? This hard-hitting polemic by a former US paratrooper explains why - we are addicted to expensive, big tech that is useless against guerillas. Sean McFate's suggestion that western powers make greater use of mercenaries is interesting * The Times, 100 Best Books for Summer *Brilliantly eccentric * Robert Fox, Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisAmerica has been at war for most of the 20th and 21st centuries and during that time has progressively moved towards a vicarious form of warfare, where key tasks are delegated to proxies, the military’s exposure to danger is limited, and special forces and covert instruments are on the increase. Important strategic decisions are taken with minimal scrutiny or public engagement. This compelling account charts the historical emergence of this distinctive tradition of war and explains the factors driving its contemporary prominence. It contrasts the tactical advantages of vicarious warfare with its hidden costs and potential to cause significant strategic harm.Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Alchemy of War; PART I: Historical Background; 1. A Vicarious Instinct; 2. Perversions of Power; PART II: American Experiences; 3. Ambivalent Beginnings; 4. Cold Warfare; PART III: Contemporary Dynamics; 5. Drivers; 6. Emergence; 7. Consequences; Conclusions.

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Book SynopsisExamined in this book are the history and working of the systems in India, Britain, United States, Canada, South Africa, and Israel as well as in former hegemonic systems like KGB-Stasi and KGB-China. Also discussed are specific subjects such as covert operations, intelligence liaison, major spies, and terrorism.

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Book SynopsisEnergy is an enabler of ? and a constraint on ? military power. Operational Energy provides military officers with knowledge and skills to plan effectively for the operational energy needs of their forces. Operational energy is the energy used to train, move, and sustain military forces and weapons platforms for military operations. Energy has always played a role in battlefield outcomes. Over the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries the importance of energy in warfighting has grown. Today, energy is a critical pillar of national defense and a major factor in military power. In modern warfare, attaining energy superiority over one?s adversaries is a critical condition for success on the battlefield. Operational energy planning is an integral part of all combat and regular operations. Operational Energy is a valuable and extensive resource for students of US Department of Defense courses in military universities, colleges, and academic training programs; scholars of geopolitics, and researchers on US and global energy security. Operational Energy is to date the only textbook on defense energy planning, analysis, and strategy. It examines in detail fuel types, geopolitical issues, energy supply risks, market economic factors, and technology, presenting topics for future research. It also includes chapter summaries, main points for study, and case studies.

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Book SynopsisBased upon Machiavelli's first-hand experience as an emissary of the Florentine Republic to the courts of Europe, The Prince analyses the usually violent means by which men seize, retain, and lose political power. This fluent new translation is accompanied by comprehensive notes and an introduction that dispels some of the myths associated with Machiavelli, and considers the true purpose of The Prince.Trade ReviewLiterary scholar Peter Bondanella rightly seeks the cold elegance and readability of the original. Serious English readers will want both translations. * Lauro Martines, TLS *

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.Focusing on the principle of outsmarting a foe before resorting to battle this treatise by Chinese general, strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu is a masterpiece of military strategy. His timeless advice to know yourself, your enemy, your sparring ground and to prioritise diplomatic solutions has been influential since its creation.Written during the sixth century BCE, to this day The Art of War has guided leaders for thousands of years and remains to this day a touchstone not only for generals, but for CEOs, athletes and anyone facing their own battles of cunning and tact.

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the age-old complicity between sky watchers and war fighters, from the best-selling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.Trade Review"Throughout history, wars tend to be won by nations that are at the forefront of science. Thus astronomers and physicists have, since ancient times, benefited from an uneasy alliance with the military. This enlightening book explores the history and current implications of this partnership between space science and national security." -- Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and professor of history, Tulane University"Accessory to War is thought-provoking and reflective..." -- Nature"In Accessory to War, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang give a sweeping panoramic overview of the enduring alliance between astrophysics and the military—from the Greeks to Galileo to GPS. The book's key contribution is in documenting the various ways science has aided military endeavors over the millennia and making the sometimes-arcane source material accessible." -- Science"... wide-ranging and very readable history of the overlap between science and the military, penned with editor Avis Lang... The book is a fascinating exploration of humanity' s capacity to combine discovery with destruction..." -- BBC Sky at Night

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Book SynopsisWidely regarded as "The Oldest Military Treatise in the World," this landmark work covers principles of strategy, tactics, maneuvering, communication, and supplies; the use of terrain, fire, and the seasons of the year; much more.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing full-color artwork and battle maps, this fully illustrated study investigates the US and British regular infantry''s role, tactics, junior leadership, and combat performance on three battlefields of the War of 1812.Between June 1812 and January 1815, US and British forces, notably the regular infantrymen of both sides (including the Canadian Fencibles Regiment), fought one another on a host of North American battlefields. This study examines the evolving role and combat performance of the two sides'' regulars during the conflict, with particular reference to three revealing battles in successive years.At Queenston Heights (October 13, 1812), the first American attack on the Niagara frontier saw the refusal of most of the New York militia to fight, leaving a small force of US regulars and a few militia facing a British force built around elements of two regular infantry regiments. At Crysler''s Farm (November 11, 1813), an American force with a sizeabTable of ContentsIntroduction The Opposing Sides Queenston Heights, October 13, 1812 Crysler's Farm, November 11, 1813 Chippawa, July 5, 1814 Analysis Aftermath Unit Organizations Orders of Battle Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe nature of war is constant change. We live in an era of exponential technological acceleration which is transforming how wars are waged. Today, the battlespace is transparent; multi-domain sensors can see anything, and long-range precision fire can target everything that is observed. Autonomous weapons can be unleashed into the battlespace and attack any target from above, hitting the weakest point of tanks and armoured vehicles. War now develops at hyper-speed, risking operational, informational, and organisational paralysis induced by the rapid convergence of key disrupters in the battlespace. Hit with too many attacks in multiple domains, all occurring simultaneously, the force is paralysed.Imagine a peer fight against Communist China, a new war in Europe against a resurgent Russia, or a conflict against Iran in the Middle East. How can our forces survive an enemy-first strike in these circumstances? Can we adapt to the ever-accelerating tempo of war? Will our forces be able to mask from enemy sensors? How will leaders execute command and control in a degraded communications environment? Will our command posts survive, and will our commanders see and understand what is happening in order to plan, decide, and act in real time? Written by military strategy and leadership expert, John Antal, this book addresses these tough questions and more.Table of ContentsIntroduction: How War is Changing 1. Learning from the Second Nagorno Karabakh War and the Russian-Ukrainian War 2. The Transparent Battlespace 3. The First Strike Advantage 4. The Tempo Of War 5. Top Attack 6. Full Automation 7. The Kill Web 8. Visualizing the Battlespace in All Domains—Executing Mission Command 9. Decision Dominance 10. Conclusion: Implications for the Defense of Taiwan

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Book SynopsisA ground-breaking approach to history where YOU choose the fate of WWII - perfect for readers of Bletchley Park Brainteasers and The GCHQ Puzzle Book.''An original and exciting approach . . . Buckley is one of our very finest historians.' JAMES HOLLAND________________________TAKE THE HOTSEATAssume the role of real Generals, Leaders, Soldiers and Intelligence Officers in the Allied Forces during WWII, including Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower.EXAMINE THE INTELLIGENCEExplore eight key moments of the war with real contemporaneous intelligence: Britain's Darkest Hour, 1940; The War in North Africa; Stalin's War on the Eastern Front; The Pacific Battle of Midway; The Dresden Bomber Offensive; Casablanca; Arnhem and Operation Market Garden; The Bomb and Hiroshima.CONSIDER THE SCENARIO & MAKE YOUR DECISIONFrom battlefields to war cabinets, each tactical and strategic decision you make leads to a different outcome.Will you follow the path of the past - or shape a new history?________________________'Wonderfully original . . . putting readers at the heart of the decision-making process and allowing them, literally, to change the course of history. This is counterfactual history at its best.' SAUL DAVID'A reminder that history is a never ending now, a relentless and endless present that comes without the luxury of hindsight.' AL MURRAY'An original and exciting approach . . . Buckley is one of our very finest historians. The Armchair General adds enormously to our understanding of the conflicts.' JAMES HOLLAND'A unique, enjoyable approach to evaluating military decision-making.' HISTORY OF WAR

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Book SynopsisPrussian General Carl von Clausewitz famously wrote that ‘War is the continuation of politics by other means’. But what does Clausewitz mean to a world where economic, political and cultural conflicts are increasingly framed as wars? Written after the Napoleonic Wars but left unfinished at the author’s death and not published until 1832, On War is one of the most influential and important works on military strategy ever written. This new edition presents this classic text with a new introduction by Graham Harman, who reads Clausewitz’s ideas about war, politics and military strategy through the lens of speculative realism.

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Book SynopsisWith a keen focus on the private sector`s pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness and fostering innovation, the book also discusses the strategic importance of expanding defence exports to optimize production capabilities and strengthen global alliances.

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Book SynopsisThis is a fresh, contemporary translation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War for the 21st century. As well as its historical importance, it is one of the most influential political and business books of our era. This edition rediscovers the essential clarity of the ancient masterpiece, cited by generals from a dozen Chinese dynasties, international business leaders, and modern military field manuals. It also contains a full commentary on Sun Tzu, the man and his ideas, contemporary of Confucius and Buddha; and a critical guide to further reading. This is the perfect introduction to one of the world's best-known classics.This beautiful Macmillan Collector's Library edition of The Art of War is translated and edited by author and scriptwriter Jonathan Clements.Designed to appeal to the book lover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing the Chinese text on the left and the English translation on the right, this beautifully bound edition of Sun Tzu’s classic text makes a unique gift or collector's item. Written in the sixth century BCE, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is still widely read and consulted today for its timeless, piercing insights into strategy and tactics. Napoleon, Mao Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and General Douglas MacArthur all claimed to have drawn inspiration from it. Beyond the world of war, business and management gurus have also applied Sun Tzu’s ideas to office politics and corporate strategy. This edition of The Art of War is printed on high-quality paper and bound by traditional Chinese book-making techniques. It contains the full 13 chapters on such topics as laying plans, attacking by stratagem, weaponry, terrain, and the use of spies. Sun Tzu addresses different campaign situations, marching, energy, and how to exploit your enemy's weaknesses. This edition is an essential addition to any library, whether you’re fascinated by the philosophy of warfare, Chinese history, or even twenty-first-century business.

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Book SynopsisIn Autonomous Weapons Systems and International Norms Ingvild Bode and Hendrik Huelss present an innovative analysis of how testing, developing, and using weapons systems with autonomous features shapes ethical and legal norms, arguing that they have already established standards for what counts as meaningful human control.Trade Review"This timely book offers a novel and important contribution to the emerging debate on autonomous weapons systems. Ingvild Bode and Hendrik Huelss’s study presents a fresh and original perspective. The authors skilfully analyse and depict the political, legal, and ethical challenges generated by human-machine interaction and the weaponisation of artificial intelligence." Birgit Schippers, St Mary’s University College Belfast and editor of The Routledge Handbook to Rethinking Ethics in International Relations“Ainsi que le soulignent Ingvild Bode et Hendrik Huelss, l’autonomisation des systèmes d’armes n’est pasune préoccupation futuriste mais unphénomène déjà à l’œuvre. Certaines fonctions autonomes sont déjà utilisées depuis des décennies, par exemple dansles systèmes de défense aérienne. Leur déploiement a progressivement transformé les normes d’usage de la force et de contrôle humain. Cet ouvrage est donc très pertinent pour saisir les enjeux liés à la militarisation de l’Intelligence artificielle et ses implicationspour les relations internationales engénéral.” Politique étrangère“The authors present a comprehensive analytical study of AWS and its context in an innovative, pathbreaking academic work of exemplary quality that displays outstanding knowledge of military operations and their political implications.” H-War, H-Net“Using the concept of procedural norms, the authors demonstrate that standards of appropriateness relating to the use of AWS have already emerged, despite the relative novelty of AI-powered weapons.” International Journal

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Book SynopsisOn Flexibility presents a force planning concept that will enable armies to cope with the growing diversity of battlefield requirements, and especially with technological and doctrinal surprises, through applied adaptability and flexibility, minimizing the over dependence on intelligence and prediction involved in this process today.Trade Review"This book combines solid history and an innovative analytical structure. It begins to fill in a serious hole in our understanding of flexibility or what could better be called 'adaptation under fire.' It is strongly recommended for senior military leaders and students of military innovation and force planning. In the future, surprise will continue to characterize the character of modern warfare, and the need to be flexible will be at a premium. On Flexibility provides great insights on flexibility and will prove to be an enduring contribution to our understanding of military history and to enhancing our ability to adapt when we hopefully do not get things too terribly wrong." -- Frank Hoffman"A highly original work, dealing with an important and little-explored subject." -- Martin van Creveld"This is an outstanding work. Inculcating adaptability, flexibility, and responsiveness to surprise is the chief preoccupation of the major armies of the world. Doctrine writers, practitioners, scholars, and policy-makers concerned with the effectiveness of military force should read this book." -- David Betz, Department of War Studies * King's College London *"Originally published in Israel in 2007, this thoughtful work by Col. Finkel (IDF) looks at how modern military forces have coped with surprise in terms of innovative technologies, techniques, or tactics." -- A. A. Nofi * StrategyPage.com *"[A] thoroughly researched and objective work of events impacting America's military affairs and security policies." -- Parameters

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Book Synopsis“This brief, provocative, and accessible book offers snapshots of seven pernicious myths in military history that have been perpetrated on unsuspecting students, readers, moviegoers, game players, and politicians. It promotes awareness of how myths are created by 'the spurious misuse and ignorance of history' and howmisleading ideas about a military problem, as in asymmetric warfare, can lead to misguided solutions. “Both scholarly and engaging, this book is an ideal addition to military history and historical methodology courses. In fact, it could be fruitfully used in any course that teaches critical thinking skills, including courses outside the discipline of history. Military history has a broad appeal to students, and there’s something here for everyone. From the so-called 'Western Way of War' to its sister-myth, technological determinism, to the ‘academic party game’ of once-faddish ‘Military Revolutions,’ the book shows that while myths about history may be fun, myth busting is the most fun of all.”—Reina Pennington, Norwich UniversityTrade Review“Why does military history generate so many myths? Is it because easily digestible myths make the subject easier to teach and study? Or because such myths help to paper over the simple but depressing fact that mankind has, since its very origins, permitted the slaughter of millions, often for the most minor of reasons? While such questions are difficult if not impossible to answer, in bringing together seven of the world’s finest military historians to dispel seven of these myths, John Hosler provides a great service in laying bare the myths’ origins. Anyone interested in the subject should read this book first, before embarking on further study.”—Kelly Devries, Loyola University Maryland

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Book SynopsisA new translation for the 21st century.The Art of War by Sun Tzu is one of the most influential political and business books of our era. This gateway edition for the 21st century reader rediscovers the essential clarity of the ancient masterpiece, cited by generals from a dozen Chinese dynasties, international business leaders, and modern military field manuals.This edition also contains a full commentary on Sun Tzu, the man and his ideas, contemporary of Confucius and Buddha; and a critical guide to further reading. This is the perfect introduction to one of the world's best-known classics.

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Book Synopsis''War is the most important thing in the world'', writes Martin van Creveld, one of the world''s best-known experts on military history and strategy.The survival of every country, government, and individual is ultimately dependent on war - or the ability to wage it in self-defence. That is why, though it may come but once in a hundred years, it must be prepared for every day. When it is too late-when the bodies lie stiff and people weep over them-those in charge have failed in their duty. Nevertheless, in spite of the centrality of war to human history and culture, there has for long been no modern attempt to provide a replacement for the classics on war and strategy, Sun Tzu''s The Art of War, dating from the 5th or 6th century BC, and Carl von Clausewitz''s On War, written in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. What is needed is a modern, comprehensive, easy to read and understand theory of war for the 21st century that could serve as a replacement for these classic texts. The purpTrade ReviewProbably the best book on war that I have ever read -- short and succinct for the layman. * Andrew Sheng, The Star, Malaysia *A good update on the general theories of war and makes for an informative and interesting explanation. * Chris May, Battlefield *[A] gem of a book... compulsory reading for all political leaders. * Soldier *Authoritative and thought-provoking. * Milos Stankovic, Spectator *Well-written, based on much knowledge, interesting, and thoughtful. * Jeremy Black, Military History Monthly *For the non-military reader More on War's most engaging sections are likely to be the concluding reflections on the way war is changing. The rise of drones, the shrinking human role in combat, the emergence of cyber warfare all of these will have an impact, and not just upon the way wars are fought but upon the societies that fight them. * Financial Times *Many people of today in the Western world seem to have forgotten about war, which has followed mankind throughout history. This book is an excellent reminder, recommended especially to the women and men who will lead us into the future. * Anders Brännström, Major General, Swedish Army *Table of ContentsIntroduction. The Crisis of Military Theory 1: Why War? 2: Economics and War 3: The Challenge of War 4: Building the Forces 5: The Conduct of War 6: On Strategy 7: War at Sea 8: Air- Space- and Cyber War 9: Nuclear War 10: War and Law 11: Asymmetric War 12: Perspectives: Change, Continuity and the Future Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisWarfare is the most dangerous threat faced by modern humanity. It is also one of the key influences that has shaped the politics, economics, and society of the modern period. But what do we mean by modern war? What causes modern wars to begin? Why do people fight in them, why do they end, and what have they achieved? In this accessible and compelling Very Short Introduction, Richard English explores the assumptions we make about modern warfare and considers them against the backdrop of their historical reality. Drawing on the wide literature available, including direct accounts of the experience of war, English provides an authoritative account of modern war: its origins, evolution, dynamics, and current trends. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Review... what this book achieves would be remarkable in one several times its length... The book as a whole is notable for the careful throught and sound judgement that are on display, with the result that it does not at all feel like a superficial skim over the material. * Political Studies Review, Tim Benbow *The book as a whole is notable for the careful thought and sound judgement that are on display, with the result that it does not at all feel like a superficial skim over the material. * Tim Benbow, Kings College London/UK Defence Academy, Political Studies Review *English has developed a cogent and useful introduction to modern war. An understanding of war is a key element of civic education, and English has made the subject accessible. Modern War will be of particular value not just to students but to educators considering how to teach the topics of war and modern military history. * H.R. McMaster, Survival *Profound thought and a compelling text explain why and how states, societies and peoples resort to "the awfulness of war". English avoids glib generalisations because he knows too much and thinks too deeply. ... Anyone who wants to understand wars and their legacies should read it, twice. * Times Higher Education *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; List of illustrations and maps ; Introduction ; 1. What is modern war? ; 2. What causes modern wars to begin? ; 3. What has the experience of modern war involved? ; 4. What have modern wars achieved? ; Conclusion: war, terrorism, and the future ; References ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisTo help readers better appreciate Art of War, Lynch provides an insightful introduction and a substantial interpretive essay discussing the military, political, and philosophical aspects of the work, in addition to maps, an index of names, and a glossary.Trade Review"Christopher Lynch has made the best and the first careful translation of Machiavelli's Art of War. With useful notes, an excellent introduction, an interpretive essay, glossary, and index, it is a treasure for readers of military history and Renaissance thought as well as for lovers of Machiavelli." - Harvey. Mansfield, Harvard University; "Lynch argues convincingly that Art of War's detractors have failed to approach the text in the right way.... If Machiavelli's works bear the mark of a preliberal age, his thought also transcends his age, not least his timeless warning about ideologies that, in the name of abstract principles, ask us to refrain from defending... the nation in which we actually live." - Jacqueline Newmyer, Weekly Standard"

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Book SynopsisSurvival, the IISSâs bimonthly journal, challenges conventional wisdom and brings fresh, often controversial, perspectives on strategic issues of the moment.In this issue: Charlie Laderman discusses the historical precedent for Donald Trumpâs threat to shrink the US commitment to NATO: the âGreat Debateâ of the 1950s Emile Hokayem examines Hizbullahâs future after Hassan Nasrallahâs killing and Israelâs incursion into Lebanon Dana H. Allin analyses what Trumpâs return to the White House spells for the world Elene Panchulidze and Richard Youngs discuss Europeâs growing emphasis on supporting democracies as a geopolitical imperative under the shadow of the RussiaâUkraine war And nine more thought-provoking pieces, as well as our regular Book Reviews and Noteworthy column. To read free articles from the journal, please visit its homepage at

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a gendered perspective on leadership in war and peace, considering leadership in its complexity and presenting a practical examination of both leadership successes and failures.The work challenges readers to think through and discuss specific aspects of leadership, including how and why leadership diversity matters and the ethical challenges presented by the revolving door of the military-industrial complex. Further, leaders responsible for decisions involving war and peace must be able to understand, appreciate, and communicate effectively with everyone they work with and have a repertoire of leadership styles to use depending on context. The book represents an excellent tool for developing such skills, as it uniquely considers leadership through both male and female lenses, along with the experiences and perspectives of multiple military, government and industry leaders interviewed by the author, making it both relatable and informative.This book wil

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Book SynopsisSurvival, the IISSâs bimonthly journal, challenges conventional wisdom and brings fresh, often controversial, perspectives on strategic issues of the moment.In this issue: Sophia Besch and Tara Varma analyse the influence of the âMake America Great Againâ movement on the revisionist agenda in Europe Shashank Joshi evaluates the challenge of maintaining meaningful human control in decision-making as the role of artificial intelligence on the battlefield advances Matthew F. Cancian explores how the principle of âdenial over weeksâ could save the United States from a prolonged and unwinnable war over Taiwan Dana H. Allin and Christopher S. Chivvis assess the impact of the early moves of Donald Trumpâs second administration on the relationship between Europe and the United States And nine other thought-provoking pieces, as well as our regular Book Reviews and Noteworthy column.To read free articles from the journal, please visit its homepage at https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tsur20.Editor: Dr Dana AllinManaging Editor: Jonathan StevensonAssociate Editor: Carolyn WestEditorial Assistant: Anna Gallagher

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Book SynopsisThis twofold study investigates the character of intelligence knowledge and the social context in which it is produced, using the Swedish Military and Security Directorate (MUST) as a case study.

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Book SynopsisThe idea that war is sometimes justified is deeply embedded in public consciousness. But it is only credible so long as we believe that the ethical standards of just war are in fact realizable in practice. In this engaging book, Christopher Finlay elucidates the assumptions underlying just war theory and defends them from a range of objections, arguing that it is a regrettable but necessary reflection of the moral realities of international politics. Using a range of historical and contemporary examples, he demonstrates the necessity of employing the theory on the basis of careful moral appraisal of real-life political landscapes and striking a balance between theoretical ideals and the practical realities of conflict. This book will be a crucial guide to the complexities of just war theory for all students and scholars of the ethics and political theory of war.Trade Review"It has become common to criticise just war theory (and just war theorists) for being overly abstract, and thus for offering little practical guidance to citizens, politicians, and combatants. That is not a criticism one can level at Finlay's book. On the contrary, his rich and illuminating account of the conditions under which war is just - or at least less unjust than not fighting at all, or fighting without restraint - is anchored in a nuanced and sensitive awareness of the moral and political realities of warfare."—Cecile Fabre, All Souls College, Oxford "This book is an excellent primer on contemporary just war debates. Well written, cogently explained and up-to-date, its argument is compelling and it will be a must read for all students of just war theory."—Alex Bellamy, The University of QueenslandTable of ContentsTable of Contents Preface Chapter 1: Ideas and Ideals of the Just War Chapter 2: The Just War Creed Chapter 3: ‘Just cause’ and the possibility of jus ad bellum Chapter 4: Fighting Just Wars: Balancing Ends and Means Chapter 5: Conclusion: Just Wars, Ideal and Non-Ideal References Notes

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Book SynopsisBetween 2021 and 2031, the UK government is set to spend over £230 billion on its military. Who decides how to use these funds, and how can we be sure that the UK’s armed forces can meet the threats of tomorrow? This book provides the answers to these crucial questions. Concentrating on decisions taken below the political level, it uncovers the factors that underpin the translation of strategic direction into military capability. In a series of interviews, over 30 top admirals, generals and air marshals give their own views on the procurement and maintenance of the nation’s current and future military capability. Their unrivalled professional knowledge and experience affords a fascinating insight into the higher management of national defence.Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Strategic Direction and Military Capability 3. The UK’s Approach to Strategy 4. Defence Roles, Missions and Tasks 5. Defence Reviews 6. The Affordability of Defence 7. The MoD and the Single Services 8. Why does the UK have the Military Capability That It Has?

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Book SynopsisAs the People's Republic's seemingly inexorable rise to economic and military power con-tinues, never has the need for a better grasp of Chinese strategic thought by the West been more acute. In Deciphering Sun Tzu, Derek Yuen seeks to reclaim for the reader the hidden contours and lost Chinese and Taoist con- texts of Sun Tzu's renowned treatise The Art of War, a literary classic and arguably one of the most influential books ever written. He also explains its historical, philosophical, strategic, and cross-cultural significance. His comprehensive analysis of Sun Tzu, based on close reading of the Chinese sources, also reconstructs the philosophy, Taoist methodology and worldview that effectively form the cornerstones of Chinese strategic thinking, which are arguably as relevant today as at any moment in history. Yuen's innovative reading and analysis of Sun Tzu within and from a Chinese context is a new way of approaching the strategic mas- ter's main concepts, which he compares with those of Clausewitz, Liddell-Hart and other Western strategists.Deciphering Sun Tzu offers illuminating analysis and contextualisation of The Art of War in a manner that has long been sought by Western readers and opens new means of getting to grips with Chinese strategic thought.Trade Review'Deciphering Sun Tzu is by far the best book on the subject in years. ... Yuen argues that the only way to read Sun Tzu is to understand the philosophical, historical, and cultural context behind The Art of War. ... Yuen's work reveals that Sun Tzu's treatise needs to be seen in the context of statecraft as a broader cultural artifact rather than in the narrower context of war or strategy'. -- Rob Johnson, Director of the Changing Character of War Programme, Oxford University, in The American Interest'Yuen puts Sun Tzu in context, identifying his debts to Chinese philosophy (particularly Taoism), providing historical background, guiding the reader through the key themes in his work, explaining common interpretations of it, and detailing its reception in the West. Yuen presents Sun Tzu's view of strategic thought as holistic and nonlinear. This is not a book for the faint-hearted or for those skeptical about Sun Tzu's approach to strategy. But anyone who wishes to understand Sun Tzu should not ignore it.' -- Lawrence Freedman, Foreign Affairs'Taking the oldest and most enigmatic of military texts Derek Yuen boldly confronts questions of philosophy and strategic culture as no other contemporary interpreter of Sun Tzu has done before. In a quite extraordinary work of erudition he demonstrates both the continuing significance of The Art of War in Chinese thinking and why our continuing misreading of the text is proving so damaging to our understanding of Chinese thinking.' -- Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science, and author of The Improbable War: China, the US and the Logic of Great Power Conflict'Derek Yuen has produced a fascinating re-interpretation of Sun Tzu. He casts a wide philosophical-cultural net in his quest to capture the essence of this timeless Chinese classic of strategy.' -- Andrew Scobell, Senior Political Scientist, RAND Corporation and author of China's Use of Military Force: Beyond the Great Wall and the Long March'Derek Yuen's exciting new book takes Sun Tzu studies to a new level. It goes beyond the existing translations of and commentaries on this canonical text to deploy its underlying, unique logic as it evolved through Daoist philosophy to serve as a foundation for developing a more comprehensive theory of strategic thought. It is a bold and profoundly philosophical attempt to rise above the familiar rationalisations of this antique text to register its seminal contribution to the holistic nature of Chinese thinking in its broadest sense.' -- Roger T. Ames, Professor of Philosophy, Center for Chinese Studies, University of Hawaii'Reading Deciphering Sun Tzu: How to Read the Art of War by Derek Yuen is very much a light bulb moment for commentators on Western strategic thought.' -- LSE Review of Books

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