Warfare and defence Books

Book SynopsisA Sunday Times and FT Book of the Year When a rising power threatens to displace a ruling one, the most likely outcome is war. In this razor-sharp analysis, Harvard scholar Graham Allison examines the phenomenon known as Thucydides’s Trap, which is currently playing out between the world’s two biggest superpowers: the US and China. Through uncanny historical parallels, Destined for War shows how close we are to the unthinkable. Yet, stressing that war is not inevitable, Allison also reveals how clashing powers have kept the peace in the past — and what painful steps international leaders can and must take to avoid disaster.Trade Review‘[Destined for War] sounds a useful, even important warning call.’ -- Max Hastings * The Sunday Times *‘I hope people like Jeff Bezos read this timely book and resolve to build the political forces we need.’ -- Dominic Cummings * The Spectator *‘Graham Allison is one of the keenest observers of international affairs around. He consistently brings his deep understanding of history’s currents to today’s most difficult challenges and makes our toughest foreign policy dilemmas accessible to experts and everyday citizens alike. That’s why I regularly sought his counsel both as a senator and as vice president. In Destined for War, Allison lays out one of the defining challenges of our time—managing the critical relationship between China and the United States.’ -- Joe Biden * former Vice President of the United States *‘Thucydides’s Trap identifies a cardinal challenge to world order: the impact of a rising power on a ruling power. I read the book with great interest. I can only hope that the US-China relationship becomes the fifth case to resolve itself peacefully, rather than the 13th to result in war.’ -- Henry Kissinger * former United States Secretary of State *‘Can the US avoid confrontation with China? That is the geopolitical question of our age. In most cases, Thucydides was right: when a new power arises in the world, it results in a clash with the dominant power. This important and fascinating book extracts lessons for how we can avoid such a confrontation.’ -- Walter Isaacson * author of Steve Jobs and The Innovators *‘You can bet that China’s leaders will read Allison’s warnings about Thucydides’s Trap. I only wish I could be as sure about America’s leaders. But every informed citizen should buy a copy.’ -- Niall Ferguson‘One of the most insightful and thought-provoking books I have ever read on the most important relationship in the world: the US and China. If Graham Allison is right—and I think he is—China and the US must heed the lessons in this superb study in order to build a strategic relationship that avoids a war which neither side would win.’ -- General (Ret.) David Petraeus * Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, former Director of the CIA, and former Commander of US Central Command *‘A provocative thesis on one of today's most pressing foreign policy issues and a page turner of the first order, Destined For War is a must read. Professor Allison writes with the propulsive narrative drive appropriate for such an immediate and danger-fraught topic. I can only hope that all senior policy experts read this timely book to prevent our country from falling into the trap Professor Allison so ably warns us against.’ -- Christopher Reich * bestselling author of Invasion of Privacy *‘Do China and America want war? No. Might they be compelled into conflict by severe structural stress? Yes. Thankfully, Allison charts an essential course to avoid a catastrophic collision. Destined for War will be studied and debated for decades.’ -- Kevin Rudd * former Prime Minister of Australia *‘An important new book.’ * Financial Times *‘Graham Allison has written a gripping book that decision-makers and citizens alike must read, digest, and act upon.’ -- Samantha Power‘For policymakers, scholars, and citizens on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, Destined for War is essential reading.’ -- Ash Carter‘Graham Allison has written the most important foreign policy book of our time.’ -- Sandy Winnefeld‘Graham Allison is the Paul Revere of the nuclear age. In his brilliant book, Allison provides us with a heart stopping look into a future that may end as abruptly as the past began.’ -- William Cohen‘Essential, even indispensable reading for every diplomat—and financier or businessman — that contemplates China and its relations with the world.’ -- Kurt Campbell‘Destined for War is a must-read for anyone concerned about US-China relations. A gifted combination of scholarship with truly accessible writing.’ -- Amitai Etzioni‘Reading Destined for War and drawing from its lessons could help to save the lives of millions of people.’ -- Klaus Schwab‘If any book can stop a world war, it is this one. This gripping book is a must read for policy makers in both nations as well as the general public.’ -- Sam Nunn‘Graham Allison has been a source of inspiration for me as a student and diplomat. As with Essence of Decision, Destined for War again provides us with his penetrating insights into global politics in the 21st century and beyond.’ -- Ban Ki-Moon * former Secretary General of the United Nations *‘Surely another classic in the making, Destined for War is a brilliant example of ‘thinking in time,’ which — as the author shows — is against us.’ -- Brendan Simms * author of Europe: The Struggle for Supremacy *‘Thought-provoking and very readable.’ * The Sunday Times *‘As a single volume on the shape of the gathering rivalry and co-operation between the United States and China, this book is to be highly recommended. It is clearly written with a popular audience in mind. As such it can join the ranks of a number of such books that explain a wide range of complex concepts and historical episodes in a way that the layperson can readily engage with.’ * NZ International Review *‘[A]rgue[s] persuasively that adjusting to this global power shift will require great skill on both sides if conflagration is to be avoided ... helpfully illustrated with maps and charts...with wide-ranging, erudite case studies that span human history ... this fine book show[s] that China intends to evict the United States from Asia in order to restore its dominance over what it considers its historic spheres of influence. Unfortunately, Washington is poorly prepared to deal with a China that strategises in terms of the symbolic undercurrents and sensitivities illuminated so dramatically by Allison.’ -- Judith Shapiro * The New York Times Book Review *‘[A] brief but far-reaching book in which potted history is incisively deployed ... One of the many strengths of Destined for War is the restoration of the late Samuel Huntington’s 'Clash of Civilisations' theory, disparaged in the mid-1990s but subliminally gaining force by the day. Mr. Allison approvingly paraphrases Huntington’s notion that 'the Western myth of universal values' is 'not just naive but inimical to other civilisations, particularly the Confucian one with China at its centre.’ -- Robert D. Kaplan * The Wall Street Journal *‘Hugely influential.’ -- Niall Ferguson * TLS *

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Book SynopsisAdrian Carton de Wiart's autobiography is one of the most remarkable of military memoirs. He was the son of a Belgian barrister, Leon Constant Ghislain Carton de Wiart (1854-1915). He, himself, was intended for the law, but abandoned his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, in 1899 to serve as a trooper in the South African War. He abandoned the law for all time on 14 September 1901 when he received a direct commission in the 4th Dragoon Guards. Carton de Wiart's extraordinary military career embraced service with the Somaliland Camel Corps (1914-15), liaison officer with Polish forces (1939), membership of the British Military Mission to Yugoslavia (1941), a period as a prisoner of war (1941-43), and three years as Churchill's representative to Chiang Kai-shek (1943-46). (Churchill was a great admirer.) During the Great War, besides commanding the 8th Glosters, Carton de Wiart was GOC 12 Brigade (1917) and GOC 105 Brigade (April 1918). Both these command were terminated by wounds. He was wounded eight times during the war (including the loss of an eye and a hand), won the VC during the Batlle of the Somme, was mentioned in despatches six times, and was the model for Brigadier Ben Ritchie Hook in the Sword of Honour trilogy of Evelyn Waugh.

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Book SynopsisAn updated set of expanded wargaming rules for the exceptionally popular post-apocalyptic vehicle game, Gaslands.2019 Tabletop Minions Award winnerUK Games Expo Awards: Best Miniatures Rules (2018)Shoot, ram, skid, and loot your way through the ruins of civilization with Gaslands: Refuelled, the tabletop miniature wargame of post-apocalyptic vehicular mayhem. This update to the original Gaslands includes expanded and enhanced perks, sponsors, vehicle types, and weapons. Gaslands: Refuelled contains everything a budding wasteland warrior needs to build and customize their fleet of vehicles in this harsh post-apocalyptic future. Featuring a host of options for scenarios, environmental effects, and campaigns, allowing players to create their anarchic future.Trade ReviewIf you’re a board gamer looking for an easy entry point to the miniatures hobby, Gaslands is about as close a thing to perfect as I can imagine. -- Eric Tonjes * Shut Up & Sit Down *If you want to play a miniatures game that’s truly unique from the standard laser guns and swords, Gaslands is a must […] Whether it’s a destruction derby, Mario Kart-style racing or protecting a massive war rig that you’re escorting across a barren desert, there’s lots to love in this gas-guzzling, budget miniatures game. -- Michael Whelan * Dicebreaker *I highly recommend this game…. It jumps up off the table. You can feel the mud flying around. -- Joel Eddy * Drive Thru Reviews *It’s Awesome! -- Ding & Dent * Episode 69 - Gaslands Review *There is an extremely fun game here packed in for a fantastic price. -- Jacob Stauttener * Must Contain Minis *An amazing amount of fun. -- No Pun Included * Episode 12 *There’s a new hobby obsession in my life that I am in love with and it’s called Gaslands. -- The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast * Jamie Talks About: Gaslands and the Joy of a Miniatures Hobby *In Gaslands (think: a breezier, less crunchy, more modern Car Wars) there are no ranges of miniatures to draw from. Instead, the game encourages you to Mad Max-ify Matchbox and Hotwheels cars to use in your games. How much fun is this? Lots. -- Gareth Branwyn * Boing Boing *Whether you’re a minis player looking for an excuse to let out your inner War Boy or someone looking to make use of your (or your child’s) toy car collection for a fast, fun skirmish game, Gaslands is great way to get onto the fury road for an hour or two. -- Rob Wieland * Geek & Sundry *

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Book SynopsisIn a world that has returned to great power rivalry, understanding the grand strategy of these powers is crucial. This book introduces ten key terms for analysing grand strategy and shows how the world’s great powers – the United States, China, Russia and the European Union (EU) – shape their strategic decisions today. Outlining the steps needed for a less confrontational grand strategy and a more peaceful and stable world order, this lively and accessible introduction shows how the choices made in each of these ten areas will determine the course of world politics in the first half of the 21st century.Table of ContentsIntroduction: No Peace from Corona – Why Grand Strategy and Great Powers Remain Important 1. Simple: But Not Easy 2. Competitive: The Other Players Have a Strategy Too 3. Rational: Reason Trumps Ideology, Religion, and Emotion 4. Allied: One Needs Allies but Cannot Always Choose Them 5. Comprehensive: There Is No Hard, Soft or Smart Power – Just Power 6. Creative: An Art as Well as a Science 7. Agile: Taking Decisions, Acting, and Taking New Decisions 8. Courageous: Dare to Go in, Dare to Get out, Dare to Stay out 9. Dirty: No Great Power Can Keep its Hands Clean 10. Proactive: A Strategy for Action Conclusion: Power to Engage

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Book SynopsisFrom a globally renowned expert on Russian military strategy and national security, The Russian Way of Deterrence investigates Russia's approach to coercion (both deterrence and compellence), comparing and contrasting it with the Western conceptualization of this strategy. Strategic deterrence, or what Dmitry (Dima) Adamsky calls deterrence à la Russe, is one of the main tools of Russian statecraft. Adamsky deftly describes the genealogy of the Russian approach to coercion and highlights the cultural, ideational, and historical factors that have shaped it in the nuclear, conventional, and informational domains. Drawing on extensive research on Russian strategic culture, Adamsky highlights several empirical and theoretical peculiarities of the Russian coercion strategy, including how this strategy relates to the war in Ukraine. Exploring the evolution of strategic deterrence, along with its sources and prospective avenues of development, Adamsky provides a comprehensive intellectual history that makes it possible to understand the deep mechanics of this Russian stratagem, the current and prospective patterns of the Kremlin's coercive conduct, and the implications for policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic.Trade Review"With a sophisticated understanding of strategic culture and an encyclopedic review of recent military thinking by Russian authors, Dmitry (Dima) Adamsky presents a creative and convincing new argument about Russian deterrence strategy. This is a must-read for anyone in academia or the policy world who wants to know how Russia thinks about war."—Kimberly Marten, Barnard College, Columbia University"It is one thing to say, 'they don't think the way we do.' It is quite another to explore in depth how and why that is so—which is why The Russian Way of Deterrence is so profoundly important. A landmark work, invaluable today, and of enduring importance as a study of strategic culture."—Eliot Cohen, Johns Hopkins SAIS"Only Dmitry (Dima) Adamsky could have written this book, which brings together his knowledge of strategic culture, the evolution of modern Russian military thinking, and a deep knowledge of Russian military organizations. It comes at a time when it is needed."—Stephen Peter Rosen, Harvard University"In this rich and provocative book, Dmitry (Dima) Adamsky explores the distinctive approach to deterrence and coercion that has emerged in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Drawing on extensive research and careful analysis, Adamsky assesses the relevance of that new approach for understanding Russia's war against Ukraine."—David Holloway, Stanford University"A magisterial study, revealing the evolution of the theory and practice of deterrence within the Russian strategic community. In this insightful account, Dmitry (Dima) Adamsky excels in synthesizing the Russian approach to deterrence, and coercion, through the lens of strategic culture literature."—Michael Kofman, Center for Naval Analyses (CNA)"[A] timely and enlightening book.... [Adamsky] presents a rich analysis of Russian strategic culture focused on Russia's unique approach to coercion, which differs significantly from that of the West. This, he argues, is a product of Russia's history, culture and ideational influences."—Angela Stent, SurvivalTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. Strategic Culture and Deterrence Scholarship 2. Genealogy of Deterrence à la Russe 3. Cultural Sources of Deterrence à la Russe 4. Critical Examination and Culmination Point 5. War in Ukraine and Avenues of Future Research Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisYou may not be interested in Russia. But Russia is interested in you.Russia's 2022 attack on Ukraine saw confrontation between Moscow and the West spill over into open conflict once again. But Russia has also been waging a clandestine war against the West for decades. Hostile acts abroad, from poisoning dissidents to shooting down airliners, interfering in elections, spying, hacking and murdering, have long seemed to be the Kremlin's daily business. But what is it all for? Why does Russia consistently behave like this? And what does it achieve?Now containing a new preface to the paperback edition, Keir Giles explains how and why Russia pushes for more power and influence wherever it can reach, far beyond Ukraine and what it means not just for governments, but for ordinary people. Bringing together stories from the military, politics, diplomacy, espionage, cyber power, organised crime and more, Giles describes how Moscow conducts its campaigns across the globe, anTrade ReviewSuperb . . . coherent and eminently readable. . . . Giles brings home the causes and consequences of Moscow's actions to the average reader. . . . Russia's War on Everybody is an invaluable piece of a growing mosaic of renewed expertise on, and interest in, Russia. . . . It is a needed accompaniment to the more academic reflections on the Kremlin's behavior. . . . Giles is a welcome guide for readers along this path. * Diplomatic Courier *[Giles's] analysis of the way the current government thinks and acts should be taken seriously. He has an excellent grasp of Putin's view of the world. * The Conversation *An important book. -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *An important and timely book that covers the range of current activities of Russia's ruling regime, discussing issue areas that are only going to become more important in coming decades. * War in Ukraine: Update from Kyiv *An essential text on understanding modern Russia's role in the world, delivering a deep dive into the many facets of the Russian mindset when dealing with the West. * Eliot Higgins, founder and director of Bellingcat *Keir Giles has long been one of the most informed and consistent voices warning about the threat Putin's Russia poses its neighbours and the West as a whole, and this book is a combative and comprehensive assessment of the challenge... it deserves to be read and discussed widely, not least to get us thinking about what else we may face in the future. * Professor Mark Galeotti, author of 'We Need To Talk About Putin' *Nobody cuts through the nonsense around what Russia does, and why it does it, like Keir Giles. If anybody was still in any doubt about why Russia is everybody's problem, the answers are here. Keir Giles lays out clearly and simply why Russia's war is not just against Ukraine - it's against all of us. * Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Former President of Estonia *An invaluable and timely wake up call. . . . A thought provoking, comprehensive and excellent book that should be absorbed by all those concerned with the progression and eventual outcome of what is by now a long term struggle between Russia as at present misgoverned and a wide swathe of the rest of the world. * Sir Andrew Wood, British Ambassador to Moscow, 1995-2000 *Relevant, timely, and essential for understanding why Russia must be defeated, not only in Ukraine but in its war on everybody. * LTG (Ret) Ben Hodges, Human Rights First *A compelling text on why Russia is a threat not just to the Western world as such, it's a threat to every citizen; directly and maliciously. A threat to your way of life and your loved ones. Just because its mere legitimization is not possible without such a threat. * Pavlo Klimkin, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine *This is a highly detailed and readable book. Referenced to a high standard, the reader can really dig into the sources of information, and it is academic in its framing and development of arguments without compromising its readability. Taking a completely different approach to most books, it really digs into why Russia acts as it does, and what it hopes to achieve. This is an important distinction and adds significant value compared to a lot of more recent narrative assessments of wider Russian malign activity. -- James Burton * Wavell Room *Table of ContentsDedication Table of Contents Acknowledgements Preface to the New Paperback Preface 1. What Makes Russia Different 2. Politics: Warfare By Other Means 3. Neither War Nor Peace 4. What the Russian Army is For 5. Nobody Is Too Unimportant 6. The Willing Accomplices 7. Business, Statecraft And Crime 8. What Comes Next Appendix Selected Reading Index

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Book SynopsisIn 1993, a newly-appointed CIA director warned that Western powers might have ‘slain a large dragon’ with the fall of the USSR, but now faced a ‘bewildering variety of poisonous snakes’. Since then, both dragons (state enemies like Russia and China) and snakes (terrorist and guerrilla organisations) have watched the US struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan, and mastered new methods in response: hybrid and urban warfare, political manipulation, and harnessing digital technology. Leading soldier-scholar David Kilcullen reveals everything the West’s opponents have learned from twenty-first-century conflict and explains how their cutting-edge tactics and adaptability pose a serious threat to America and its allies, disabling the West’s military advantage. The Dragons and the Snakes is a compelling, counterintuitive look at the new, vastly complex global arena. Kilcullen reshapes our understanding of the West’s foes, and shows how it can respond.Trade Review'This book should be read by everyone in uniform.' -- The Times‘Impressive … The Dragons and the Snakes is based on a formidable array of military and political sources.’ -- The Financial Times‘Interesting and provocative.’ -- The Sunday Times‘An eye-opening look at the state of strategic balance between the United States and its rivals, large and small … Essential reading for anyone concerned with America’s future on the world stage.’ -- Kirkus'Disturbingly brilliant. David Kilcullen, ever the thoughtful observer of wars and the people who wage them, captures the changes in warfare that already confound and threaten to overwhelm us. He correctly shows that we are mentally and physically unprepared for the new nature of conflict, and will likely pay dearly for it.' -- Stanley McChrystal, Retd US Army General, and Partner, McChrystal Group'David Kilcullen has produced another thoughtful, important book. At a time when some believe that the return of competition with great powers might serve as an emotional catharthis to help forget the long war against jihadist terrorist organisations, the author exposes and transcends that false choice. His ideas about how to fight for peace in a dangerous world should be read and discussed not only by diplomats, defence officials, and military officers, but also by citizens concerned about securing a better future for their children.' -- H.R. McMaster, Retd US Army Lt-General, and author of 'Dereliction of Duty' and 'Battlegrounds''Once again David Kilcullen succeeds in demonstrating how our adversaries are adapting faster than we are to the experiences of the recent past. Timely advice for defence strategists on how to apply those lessons, and to plan for the next conflict, not the last.' -- Professor Sir David Omand, former UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator

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Book SynopsisAN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERA Telegraph Best Book of the Year''An intense, evocative portrait of one of the most remarkable figures of our era'' ANNE APPLEBAUM''This is the Zelensky book we've been waiting for' CATHERINE BELTONTHE TIMES: A BEST BOOK OF 2024 NEXT YEAR'S TOP READSGUARDIAN: BOOKS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2024INDEPENDENT: A BOOK OF THE MONTHWritten with unprecedented access, this is the first inside, intimate account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the perspective of President Zelensky and his team.Based on four years of reporting; extensive travels with President Zelensky to the front; and dozens of interviews with him, his wife, his friends and enemies, his advisers, ministers and military commanders, The Showman tells an intimate and eye-opening story of the President's evolution from a slapstick actor to a symbol of resilience, revealing how he managed to rally the world's democracies behind his cause.Clear-eyed about the President's early failures as a peacemaker and his willingness to silence political dissent, the book offers a complex picture of a man struggling to break what he sees as a historical cycle of oppression that began generations before he was born. Even as the war drags on, Zelensky lays out his vision for its future course and, through his actions, demonstrates his strategy for countering the Russians and keeping the West on his side. The result is a riveting, up-close picture of the invasion as experienced by its number one target and improbable hero.The Showman, as a work of eyewitness journalism, provides an essential perspective on the war defining our age. As a study in leadership and human resolve, its appeal is timeless and universal.''Intimate but unflinchingly objective, this biography gives you a seat at Zelensky''s war cabinet and penetrates his mind as he battles to save Ukraine''s freedomand ours'' Peter Pomerantsev, author of Nothing Is True and Everything Is PossibleTrade Review'Superb… in coming years, there may be [many] biographies of Zelensky… few, though, will better Shuster’s credentials. A fluent Russian speaker, he knew Zelensky’s team long before the war, remaining part of the inner circle when the president became the world’s most in-demand interviewee. In the invasion’s early days, he was among the few journalists allowed through the formidable security of the wartime bunker…The result is a vivid account of life beneath the ground at 11 Bankova Street in Kyiv… an elegant account of the invasion’s first year as seen by those in the very eye of the storm' Daily Telegraph 'A brilliant piece of extended reportage … Shuster’s book does justice to a complex man, who is fighting our fight as well as his own' The Times A compelling piece of living history and Shuster, who has reported from Russia and Ukraine for the best part of two decades, skilfully pieces together the transformation of Zelensky… highly readable' Independent ‘An intense, evocative portrait of one of the most remarkable figures of our era. This book offers a front row seat to history as it is being made’ Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Twilight of Democracy ‘A narrative tour de force that takes us deep behind the scenes of the Ukrainian president’s bunker during the tensest days of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Shuster gives an astonishingly intimate portrayal of the former comedian turned wartime leader battling to save his nation – and Europe – that nevertheless maintains a doggedly honest and critical balance' Catherine Belton, author of Putin’s People

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Book SynopsisFollowing Roman Heavy Cavalry (1) on the earlier centuries, this book explains and illustrates the armor, weapons, organization, and deployment of elite heavy armored cavalry units during their long history in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.In the twilight of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th6th centuries, the elite of the field armies was the heavy armored cavalrythe cataphracts, clad in lamellar, scale, mail, and padded fabric armor. After the fall of the West, the Greek-speaking Eastern or Byzantine Empire survived for nearly a thousand years, and cavalry remained predominant in its armies, with the heaviest armored regiments continuing to provide the ultimate shock-force in battle. Accounts from Muslim chroniclers show that the ironclad cataphract on his armored horse was an awe-inspiring enemy: ...they advanced against you, iron-coveredone would have said that they advanced on horses which seemed to have no legs. The heavy uniTable of ContentsIntroduction Select Chronology Heavy Armoured Cavalry in the Eastern Roman Army Organization & Units Formation & Tactics Weapons & Armour Horses Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZEA wake-up call' Amal ClooneyDevastating rape and sexual abuse continue to be a pervasive and all-too-often hidden feature of conflict zones the world over' HM Queen CamillaFrom award-winning war reporter and co-author of I Am Malala, this is the first major account to address the scale of rape and sexual violence in modern conflict.Christina Lamb has worked in war and combat zones for over thirty years. In Our Bodies, Their Battlefield she gives voice to the women of conflicts, exposing how in today's warfare, rape is used by armies, terrorists and militias as a weapon to humiliate, oppress and carry out ethnic cleansing.Speaking to survivors first-hand, Lamb encounters the suffering and bravery of women in war and meets those fighting for justice. From Southeast Asia where comfort women' were enslaved by the Japanese during World War Two to the Rwandan genocide, when an estimated quarter of a million women were rTrade Review Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2020 Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize 2021 ‘A wake-up call to the magnitude and horrors of rape in war – the world's most neglected war crime. These women’s stories will make you weep, and then rage at the world's indifference.’ Amal Clooney ‘Sharing these stories is necessary and incredibly brave’ Sheryl Sandberg 'Christina Lamb has done the impossible – and written women into history … An extraordinary achievement of in depth journalism, powerful storytelling, grit and heart. A wake up call to the magnitude and horror of rape of women throughout history and the world. If you read one book this year, read this. Astounding.' Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues ‘For millennia mass rape has been a weapon of war. But the testimony of abuse is almost entirely absent from all recorded history. At last this brave, beautiful and brutal book allows victims to speak – devastatingly, inspirationally’ Bettany Hughes ‘This is the most powerful and disturbing book I have ever read. It must have taken courage to research and write this book. Christina Lamb has more than accomplished her duty. It is now our duty to face this terrible truth – that of man’s inhumanity to woman.’ Anthony Beevor, Spectator ‘A brave and harrowing book, and were there justice in the world, would be at the top of the bestsellers list for weeks.’Melanie Reid, The Times ‘A deeply traumatic and important book … Provides a corrective that is by turns horrific and profoundly moving … Lamb is an extraordinary writer. Her compassion for those she talks to and deep understanding of how to tell their stories makes this a book that should be required reading for all – even though (and perhaps because) it is not an enjoyable experience … Powerful’ Peter Frankopan, Guardian

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Book SynopsisA highly illustrated account of how the Roman legions crossed the sea to conquer Britannia in AD 43.For the Romans, Britannia lay beyond the comfortable confines of the Mediterranean world around which classical civilization had flourished. Britannia was felt to be at the outermost edge of the world itself, lending the island an air of dangerous mystique.To the soldiers crossing the Oceanus Britannicus in the late summer of AD 43, the prospect of invading an island believed to be on its periphery must have meant a mixture of panic and promise. These men were part of a formidable army of four veteran legions (II Augusta, VIIII Hispana, XIIII Gemina, XX Valeria), which had been assembled under the overall command of Aulus Plautius Silvanus. Under him were, significantly, first-rate legionary commanders, including the future emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus. With the auxiliary units, the total invasion force probably amounted to arounTrade ReviewBritannia AD 43 is lavishly illustrated and gives a detailed analysis of the opposing commanders and armies. -- Harvey Watson * Battlefield *Table of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath Glossary and Abbreviations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA penetrating analysis of weaponized information–one of the most pressing dangers to open societies Now more than ever, communities across the world are integrated into a complex, global information ecosystem that shapes the nature of social, political, and economic life. The ripple effects of actors trying to manipulate or disrupt this information ecosystem are far more severe than the primary effects that are merely being felt in the information space. In fact, the weaponization of narratives has already shown its potential to transform the character of conflict in the twenty-first century. Subversion examines how malicious state and nonstate actors take advantage of the information space to sow political chaos. Andreas Krieg reveals how the coordinated use of weaponized narratives can achieve strategic-level effects through a six-stage process. Preying on vulnerable states and communities to find the fault lines within societies, these campaigns begin in the information space with an ultimate goal of producing tangible results (such as changes to policy or voting behavior, or spurring political violence). Krieg closely examines recent subversion campaigns by two states in particular, focusing on Russia’s interference in Western public discourse and the United Arab Emirates’s demonization of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Subversion will provide scholars and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of one of the most urgent threats in international politics along with recommendations on how vulnerable communities can become more resilient.Trade ReviewA timely and essential contribution to today's national discussion about the impact social media, Artificial Intelligence, and related technologies are acerbating the insidious polarization and nefarious manipulation of the American public, Subversion: The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives is an impressively informative, usefully organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation.A timely and essential contribution to today's national discussion about the impact of social media, Artificial Intelligence, and how related technologies are acerbating the insidious polarization and nefarious manipulation of the American public, Subversion: The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives is an impressively informative, usefully organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation. * Midwest Book Review *[T]his publication is a must-read for every household in a democratic society given its content affects us on an individual as much as a societal level. * Irish Tech News *In today's world, where misinformation, manipulation, and subversion target society at large, the insights provided by this book offer valuable tools for anyone seeking to navigate and understand the intricate landscape of information warfare. * Defense & Security Analysis *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsList of AbbreviationsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Sociopsychology of Truth Chapter 2: Challenging the Gatekeepers of Truth Chapter 3: Subversion and the Contest of Wills Chapter 4: Digital Authoritarians and the Exploitation of Liberation Technology Chapter 5: Subversion and Russia’s Concept of War in the Twenty-First Century Chapter 6: Little Sparta’s Counterrevolution, or How the United Arab Emirates Weaponizes NarrativesChapter 7: Towards Information Resilience Conclusion Bibliography IndexAbout the Author

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Book SynopsisThis informative study explores the Soviet invasion of Finland, detailing the events of the Winter War of November 1939 to March 1940. The invasion was expected to be swift and decisive, however, the fighting qualities of the Finnish Army blunted the Soviet advance and inflicted high numbers of casualties. A combination of difficulties caused by the weather, the terrain, the Mannerheim Line defenses and Finnish tactics resulted in a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle.On 23 August 1939, a secret protocol was appended to the GermanSoviet Non-Aggression Pact; as part of this, Finland was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence. On 30 November that year, in an effort to protect against renewed German aggression in the East, the Soviet Union attacked Finland, beginning what became known as the Finnish-Soviet Winter War. This long-awaited addition to the Campaign series explores the events of the war of November 1939 to March 1940. Set against the bTrade ReviewI learnt a lot more about the war thanks to author David Murphy, and it made for interesting reading, well illustrated by the supporting maps, let alone the very nice artwork. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Order of Battle, 30 November 1939 Opposing Plans The Winter War Aftermath The Battlefields Today Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe first in a three-book series examining the Stalingrad campaign, one of the most decisive military operations in World War II that set the stage for the ultimate defeat of the Third Reich.After failing to defeat the Soviet Union with Operation Barbarossa in 1941, Adolf Hitler planned a new campaign for the summer of 1942 that was intended to achieve a decisive victory: Operation Blue (Case Blau). In this new campaign, Hitler directed that one army group (Heeresgruppe A) would advance to seize the Soviet oilfields in the Caucasus, while the other (Heeresgruppe B) pushed on to the Volga River. The expectation was for a rapid victory instead, German forces had to fight hard just to reach the outskirts of Stalingrad, and then found themselves embroiled in a protracted urban battle amid the ruins of a devastated city on the Volga.The Soviet Red Army was hit hard by the initial German offensive but held onto the city and then launched OperaTable of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces plus Order of Battle, 28 June 1942 Opposing Plans The Campaign Analysis The Battlefield Today Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisExplores the J-20 stealth fighter''s development, technologies, and global impact, highlighting China''s rise as a major player in combat aviation.The J-20 fifth generation stealth fighter program has epitomised China?s rise from a laggard in combat aviation into a potential world leader. J-20 Mighty Dragon: Asia?s First Stealth Fighter in the Era of China?s Military Rise details the J-20?s technologies, capabilities, production timeline, design priorities, roles, evolution, and the formations and locations where it has been deployed, the ways other countries have responded to it, and how the last 30 years of China?s industrial and technology sector''s modernisation positioned the country to produce what may well now be the world?s top air superiority fighter.The J-20 program is the most high-profile indicator of a turning point in the balance of power between China and the United States, and has produced by far the most capable fighter that America or its allies could face in a potential conflict. An assessment of the history of Chinese air superiority capabilities, and how the Korean War in particular has influenced the country to place a very strong emphasis on the need to field a leading fighter for air-to-air combat, thus provides an important deeper understanding of the program.Important context to understanding the J-20?s significance and its current global standing is provided by brief assessments of the positions of the Russian and American fighter industries. The parallel development of supporting assets from aerial tankers to electronic warfare planes is also explored for a better understanding of the much-transformed Chinese fleet which J-20s are being inducted into.The program is also shown to have had a particularly significant influence in the United States, ranging from placing discourse on the F-35?s modernisation and on sixth generation fighter development in an entirely new context, to stimulating the formation of new counter-stealth aggressor training units, development of new air-to-air missiles, and the acquisition of E-7 ?flying radar? aircraft among many other responses to the new challenge. J-20 Mighty Dragon: Asia?s First Stealth Fighter in the Era of China?s Military Rise is the fi rst volume in the new Technology@War series and is extensively illustrated with colour photographs throughout and specially commissioned colour artworks.

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Book SynopsisThe second in a three-part series examining the Stalingrad campaign, one of the most decisive military operations in World War II, that set the stage for the ultimate defeat of the Third Reich. By early September 1942, 6.Armee and 4.Panzer-Armee had reached the outskirts of Stalingrad, and Hitler believed it was about to fall. He ordered for the capture of the city as soon as possible, but this was easier said than done. On 13 September, a direct German assault was launched against the city on the Volga and a protracted urban battle followed amid the ruins, already devastated by massive Luftwaffe raids. Although hit hard by the initial German offensive, a ruthless and obstinate Red Army was able to hold onto the city through a costly battle of attrition that sacrificed huge amounts of men and materiel. This second volume in the Stalingrad trilogy, written by a leading expert on the military history of the Eastern Front, brings the fighting in the city to life in full visual detaiTable of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Order of Battle, 1 September 1942 Opposing Plans The Battle of Stalingrad Analysis The Battlefield Today Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisSecurity Studies: An Introduction, 4th edition, is the most comprehensive textbook available on the subject, providing students with in-depth coverage of traditional and critical approaches and an essential grounding in the debates, frameworks, and issues of the contemporary security agenda.This new edition has been completely revised and updated, to cover major developments such as COVID-19, the rise of populism, climate change, China and Russiaâs place in the world, and the Trump administration. It also includes new chapters on great power rivalry, emerging technologies, and economic threats.Divided into four parts, the text provides students with a detailed, accessible overview of the major theoretical approaches, key themes, and most significant issues within security studies. Part 1 explores the main theoretical approaches from both traditional and critical standpoints Part 2 explains the central concepts underpinning contemporary debTable of ContentsAn Introduction to Security Studies Paul D. Williams and Matt McDonald Part 1: Theoretical ApproachesTraditional Approaches 1.Realisms 2.Liberalisms 3.Constructivisms Critical Approaches 4.Critical Theory 5.Feminisms 6.Poststructuralism 7.Securitization 8.Postcolonialism Part 2: Key Concepts 9.Uncertainty 10.Great Power Rivalry 11.Culture 12.War 13.Coercion 14.Peace and Violence 15.Human Security 16.Responsibility to Protect 17.Development Part 3: Institutions 18.Alliances 19.Regional Organizations 20.The United Nations 21.Peace Operations 22.The Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Regime 23.Private Military and Security Companies Part 4: Contemporary Challenges 24.Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity 25.Ethnic Conflict 26.Terrorism 27.Counterterrorism 28.Counterinsurgency 29.Intelligence 30.Economic Threats 31.Transnational Organized Crime 32.Global Arms Trade 33.Migration and Refugees 34.Energy Security 35.Women, Peace, and Security 36.Environmental Change 37.Health 38.Emerging Technologies 39.Cybersecurity 40.Outer Space

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Book SynopsisWinchester Lever-Action repeating rifles are an integral part of the folklore of the American West. Introduced shortly after the American Civil War, the very first Winchester, the M1866, would go on to see military service as far afield as Bulgaria, but it was in the hands of civilians that it would become known as ''The gun that won the west.'' Offering a lethal combination of portability, ruggedness and ammunition interchangeability with pistol sidearms, the Winchesters and their innovative and elegant breech-loading system represented a revolutionary design. They were used by a staggering variety of military and civilian groups - gold-miners, trappers, hunters, farmers, lawmen, professional gunmen and Native Americans. It equipped a whole generation of settlers and as such left an imprint on American culture that continues to resonate today. This book explores the Winchesters'' unique place in the history of firearms, revealing the technical secrets of their success with a full arraTable of ContentsIntroduction / Development: “The ability to shoot repeatedly” / Use: North, South – and West / Impact: The Winchester’s place in history / Conclusion / Select bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisIntends to understand war, both in its internal dynamics and as an instrument of policy.Trade Review"Undoubtedly one of the most useful books ever written."--The New Republic

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Book SynopsisJeffrey D. Sachs presents timely and achievable plans to foster global economic growth and shift from war making to peacemaking. A New Foreign Policy explores both the danger of the “America first” mindset and the concrete steps the United States must take to build a multipolar world that is prosperous, peaceful, fair, and resilient.Trade ReviewForceful and angry, Sachs verges on hyperbole in his indictment of America past and present, but he does highlight the perils of continuing on the same path. * New York Times Book Review *His new book is entitled A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American Exceptionalism, and there is much inside to be celebrated. I never thought I would utter the words “I agree with Jeff Sachs,” let alone put them in print, yet here we are. * American Conservative *Highly recommended. * Choice *A challenging departure from the Beltway assumption that America has acted as a force for good in the world. * Financial Times *Sachs provides a broad alternative vision not only to the Trump administration’s foreign policy, but to past U.S. foreign policy more generally. * LSE Review of Books *A worthwhile read, in which Sachs demonstrates expertise on vastly different policy fields and makes a convincing case that abdicating the toxic intersection of militarism and exceptionalism is key to building a brighter future, both in the U.S. and around the world. * Global Policy *Jeffrey Sachs is one of the few prominent American academics who dares to make the bold case that the US has been on the wrong track for decades. Its non-academic style makes this book accessible to any reader who wants to gain a broad understanding of what is driving American grand strategy * International Spectator *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroductionPart I: U.S. Exceptionalism in a Changing World 1. From Exceptionalism to Globalism2. Exceptionalism as the Civic Religion3. The Era of Global Convergence4. Eurasia on the Rise, America on the Sidelines5. Russia-U.S. Relations in the Changing World Order Part II: America’s Wars 6. American Imperialism and “Wars of Choice”7. Contradictory Promises and a Century of Conflict in the Middle East8. North Korea and the Doomsday Clock9. Trump's National Security Strategy Part III: U.S. Foreign Economic Statecraft 10. The Economic Balance Sheet on “America First”11. Foreign Policy Populism12. Economic War with China13. Will Trump Hand China the Technological Lead?14. Toward a World Economy of Regions Part IV: Renewing American Diplomacy 15. From Diplomatic Leader to Rogue Nation16. The Ethics and Practicalities of Foreign Aid17. Managing Migration and Immigration18. Achieving Sustainable Development19. A New Foreign Policy for American Security and Well-BeingNotesReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisThe units and formations of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) have privileged access to the finest weaponry in the world's arsenal. Whether Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, the SOCOM troops select weapons that match their mission requirements, but which also sit at the cutting edge of combat technology. This means that, while SOCOM troops frequently use standard-issue weaponry, they also adopt many specialist pieces of kit that are not so accessible to the broader armed services, including sniper rifles, battle rifles, and machine guns, as well as high-tech tactical accessories used to transform standard weaponry into something exceptional. Assessing the technology and capabilities of these combat weapons, as well as how they have been used in modern combat, this fully illustrated study lifts the veil on some of the most distinctive hand-held weapon systems of US special operations forces since 1987.Table of ContentsIntroduction / Development / Use / Impact / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisA highly illustrated study of the battle at Dien Bien Phu, the 56-day siege that eventually led to the surrender of the remaining French-led forces, this iconic battle provided the climax of the First Indochina War.In late 1953, the seventh year of France''s war against the Viet Minh insurgency in its colony of Vietnam, the C-in-C, General Navarre, was encouraged to plant an ''air-ground base'' in the Thai Highlands at Dien Bien Phu, to distract General Giap''s Vietnamese People''s Army from both Annam and the French northern heartland in the Red River Delta, and to protect the Laotian border. Elite French paratroopers captured Dien Bien Phu, which was reinforced between December 1953 and February 1954 with infantry and artillery, a squadron of tanks and one of fighter-bombers, to a strength of 10,000 men. Giap and the VPA General Staff accepted the challenge of a major positional battle; through a total mobilization of national resources, and with Chinese logistical Trade ReviewA fine analysis, and a tribute to immense bravery on both sides. -- Chris JarvisTable of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Orders of Battle Opposing Plans The Battle Aftermath The Battlefield Today Further Reading Acronyms and Abbreviations Index

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Book SynopsisWhen Russia invaded in 2022, Ukrainians became soldiers overnight. Journalist Tom Mutch stayed in Kyiv, documenting their sacrifices, major battles, hidden stories and the war's profound human and strategic impact.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate, comprehensive guide to official country data and statistics, from the world’s most sophisticated intelligence-gathering organization. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, The CIA World Factbook 2025-2026 offers complete and up-to-date information on the world's nations. This comprehensive guide is packed with data on countries' politics, populations, economics, and environment for 2025 and looks ahead to 2026. The CIA World Factbook 2025-2026 includes the following for each country: Updated geopolitical maps Population statistics, with details on languages, religions, literacy rates, age structure, health indicators, and much more Up-to-date data on military expenditures and capabilities Geography information, including climate and natural hazards Details on prominent political figures and parties Contact information for diplomatic missions Facts on transportation, trade, and communication infrastructure Space program profiles for over 90 participating nations Also included are appendices with useful abbreviations, terror organization profiles, and more. Originally intended for use by government officials and policymakers as well as the broader intelligence community, this is a must-have resource for students, travelers, journalists, and anyone with a desire to know more about their world.

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Book SynopsisA first-of-its-kind theoretical overview and practical guide to wargame design Government, industry, and academia need better tools to explore threats, opportunities, and human interactions in cyberspace. The interactive exercises called cyber wargames are a powerful way to solve complex problems in a digital environment that involves both cooperation and conflict. Cyber Wargaming is the first book to provide both the theories and practical examples needed to successfully build, play, and learn from these interactive exercises. The contributors to this book explain what cyber wargames are, how they work, and why they offer insights that other methods cannot match. The lessons learned are not merely artifacts of these games—they also shed light on how people interpret and interact with cyberspace in real life. This book covers topics such as cyber action during conventional war, information effects in conflict scenarios, individual versus group decision-making, the intersection of cyber conflicts and nuclear crises, business resilience, emerging technologies, and more. Cyber Wargaming will be a vital resource for readers interested in security studies and wargame design in higher education, the military, and the private sector.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Shall We Play a Game? Fundamentals of Cyber WargamingFrank L. Smith III, Nina A. Kollars, and Benjamin H. Schechter Part I: Research Games2 Cyber Wargames as Synthetic DataAndrew Reddie, Ruby Booth, Bethany Goldblum, Kiran Lakkaraju, and Jason C. Reinhardt3 Wargames Research on Cyber and Nuclear Crisis Dynamics Benjamin H. Schechter, Jacquelyn Schneider, and Rachael Shaffer4 Wargaming International and Domestic Crises: Island Intercept and NetwarDavid E. Banks and Benjamin M. Jensen5 Imperfect Information in Conventional WargamingChris Dougherty and Ed McGrady6 Adding Time to the Cyber Kill Chain: The "Merlin" Tool for WargamingPaul Schmitt, Catherine Lea, Jeremy Sepinsky, Justin Peachy, and Steve Karppi7 Games within Games: Cognition, Social Groups, and Critical InfrastructureRachael Shaffer Part II: Educational Games8 Playful Learning about CybersecurityAndreas Haggman9 The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge: Feedback Loops for Student SuccessSafa Shahwan Edwards and Frank L. Smith III10 The Evolution of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's Grid Security ExerciseMatthew Duncan11 Breaching the C-Suite: Cyber Wargaming in the Private SectorMaxim Kovalsky, Benjamin H. Schechter, and Luis R. Carvajal-Kim12 Develop the Dream: Prototyping a Virtual Cyber WargameChris C. Demchak and David H. Johnson13 Breathing Life into Military Doctrine through Cyber GameplayBenjamin C. Leitzel14 Matrix Game Methodologies for Strategic Cyber and Information WarfareHyong Lee and James DeMuth Part III: Conclusion15 Balancing Zealots and Skeptics About Emerging Technology: A Wargaming Blueprint for InnovationNina A. Kollars and Benjamin H. Schechter Index Contributors

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Book SynopsisAs the outbreak of World War II approached, Nazi Germany ordered artillery manufacturers Krupp and Rheimetall-Borsig to build several super-heavy siege guns, vital to smash through French and Belgian fortresses that stood in the way of the Blitzkrieg. These ''secret weapons'' were much larger than the siege artillery of World War I and included the largest artillery piece of the war, the massive 80cm railway gun ''schwere Gustav'' (Heavy Gustav). However, these complex and massive artillery pieces required years to build and test and, as war drew near, the German High Command hastily brought several WWI-era heavy artillery pieces back into service and then purchased, and later confiscated, a large number of Czech Skoda mortars. The new super siege guns began entering service in time for the invasion of Russia, notably participating in the attack on the fortress of Brest-Litovsk. The highpoint for the siege artillery was the siege of Sevastopol in the summer of 1942, which sTable of ContentsIntroduction The Return of Fortress Europe Design and Development Operational History Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe Mask of Command is about generals: who they are, what they do and how they affect the world we live in. Through portraits of four generals - archetypal hero Alexander the Great, anti-hero Wellington, the unheroic Ulysses S. Grant and the false heroic of Hitler - John Keegan propounds the view of heroism in warfare as inextricable linked with the political imperative of the age and place. He demonstrates how the role of the general alters with the ethos of the society that creates him and concludes that there is no place for heroism in a nuclear world. The Mask of Command is a companion volume to John Keegan's classic study of the individual soldier, The Face of Battle: together they form a masterpiece of military and human history.Trade ReviewAs well as being a rare military historian who can also write gracefully, John Keegan has a distinguished capacity for peering behind the conventional view of events -- Alistair Horne * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisWar has always been close to the centre of British culture, but never more so than in the period since 1850. "Warrior Nation" explores the way in which images of battle, both literary and visual, have been constructed in British fiction and popular culture since this time. The rise of war reporting has helped to shape a society fascinated by conflict, and the development of mass communications has aided in the creation of mass-produced martial heroes and the relation of epic adventures for political ends. To achieve national goals, the notion of war has been promoted as an activity of high adventure and chivalrous enterprise and as a rite of passage to manhood. Using a wide range of media, Michael Paris focuses on how war has been "sold" to boys and young men and examines the "warrior" as a masculine ideal.Trade Review'Ever wondered why Britain has fought and won so many wars? Paris's fascinating book goes a long way to answer this question ... Paris has created a compelling insight into why Britain responded to the call of arms.' -The Good Book Guide 'an absorbing and thought-provoking survey of the presentation of war in popular culture ... It is impossible in a short review to do justice to the historical sweep, the literary insight and the importance of the issues raised by this stimulating and enjoyable book. I warmly recommend it to you.' -Biggles Flies Again 'This is a splendid book, well written and well researched, which throws light on our understanding of the subject.' - Michael Dockrell, Department of War Studies, King's College, London

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Book SynopsisUntil 1945, Indonesia was a Dutch colony known as the Netherlands East Indies. In 1930, the area had over 60 million inhabitants and was a major exporter of oil, rubber, tin and quinine. It was a particularly strong trading partner for Japan, providing some 13 percent of Japan''s oil needs--second only after the United States. Following Germany''s occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940, Japan decided to expand its influence in the Netherlands East Indies via diplomatic negotiations to acquire the necessary strategic goods of oil, rubber and tin. However, the negotiations did not provide Japan with the access it had hoped to gain.Up until the mid-1930s the colonial authorities considered the probability of military conflict between the major powers in Asia to be very low and that any military presence in the colony was primarily aimed at enforcing Dutch rule. This task was mainly the responsibility of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL). This force, designed primTable of ContentsIntroduction Geopolitical developments Defence of the Netherlands East Indies: principles Command and control Organisation Infantry Tanks Artillery Air defence artillery Cavalry Engineers Signals Motor transport Medical Service Supplies Aviation Indigenous auxiliary corps Army formation Weapons Combat history Uniforms and insignia Bibliography Glossary

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Book SynopsisIn hard-hitting accounts of Auschwitz, Bosnia, Palestine, and Hiroshima's Ground Zero, comics have shown a stunning capacity to bear witness to trauma. Hillary Chute explores the ways graphic narratives by diverse artists, including Jacques Callot, Francisco Goya, Keiji Nakazawa, Art Spiegelman, and Joe Sacco, document the disasters of war.Trade ReviewThe provocative idea at the heart of Hillary Chute’s Disaster Drawn is that comics should be accepted as a true testament of war in the same way historical writings, documentary films and still photographs have been. She traces the lineage of the artist-reporterback to printmaker Jacques Callot in the 17th century and ends with Coco Wang’s web comics from China, which document catastrophic earthquakes almost before the ground beneath the artist’s feet has stopped reverberating. Meticulously researched and handsomely illustrated with full-color examples of the work under discussion, Chute makes a compelling case…The great strength of comics is the ability to tell in simple, intimate terms what it is to bear witness. Chute has given us a great resource on this history. -- Dmitry Samarov * Chicago Tribune *In Disaster Drawn, Chute offers an elegant aesthetic and theoretical argument for how ‘made-up pictures’ allow us to enter into traumatic historical events, ‘inviting one to look while signaling the difficulty of looking,’ making them not only an accurate form of witness, but an ethical one. -- Elizabeth Hand * Boston Review *Compelling. * New Statesman *An illuminating analysis of graphic narrative’s documentary power… [The medium] turns the reader as well as the artist into a witness of the unspeakable in a manner that often transcends polemics and partisanship. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *You reach the end of this fascinating study confident that you’ve followed its contours—confident that it has contours you can follow. And then the story explodes all over again, pulling Goya and Superman and Psychoanalysis (the comic book) and Art Spiegelman and everyone else back into a crisis—Charlie Hebdo, and which side are you on?—that starts the story all over again, that makes you feel as if you’re at the beginning of Chute’s tale, with nothing settled and everything up for grabs. -- Greil Marcus, author of Three Songs, Three Singers, Three NationsHillary Chute is the only comics academic I know who pens page-turners, and Disaster Drawn is no exception; Chute writes eloquently and readably about the three artists who most viscerally try to picture the brutality, horror, and inhumanity of humanity with unflinching and indelible moral courage. Disaster Drawn is a consuming dissection of the nature of trauma in visual narrative, and you, the reader, won’t be able to look away. -- Chris Ware, author of Building StoriesHillary Chute’s Disaster Drawn is a necessary book, without question one of the finest scholarly studies of comics that I’ve encountered. To call it a major work in comic studies, though, is setting the bar way too low: this is a book that constitutes a serious intervention in the histories of documentary and reportage. -- Scott Bukatman, Stanford UniversityIn this fiercely ambitious volume, Chute digs deep into the comic form itself, its architecture, its treatment of time, its materiality, and draws from it an understanding of a great artistic effort to capture what we have wrought in our brutal human way. Read Disaster Drawn to understand something original and astonishing in the way that historical memory can deepen through the marks of the hand-drawn line. -- Peter Galison, Harvard UniversityLike her subjects in their interpretations and experiences of mass murder and war, with Disaster Drawn Hillary Chute becomes a compelling witness to the most killing century in history. But she doesn’t simply witness; she sees. And makes us see: the art, the artistry, and the artist. She shows us Goya, George Grosz, Jules Feiffer, R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman on the Holocaust, Joe Sacco on wars in the Middle East and Balkans, and (new to me) Keiji Nakazawa on the atomic bombing of his hometown, Hiroshima, one morning as he was about to enter his schoolhouse at the age of six. In an instant he was protected by a falling wall while the mother of a friend of his, standing a few feet away, became a blackened cinder. We receive Chute’s testimony as if it were the first time we knew any of this. Her chosen illustrations don’t merely accompany her text; they illuminate it. She has the power to move as well as to propel us to fresh thinking about images and their effect on us. Comics, particularly autobiographical comics, deal with time and space in a way that written literature has difficulty doing unless we are dealing with Proust and Joyce. AN INSIGHT ON EVERY PAGE. IT’S FRIGHTENING, IT’S POWERFUL, IT’S ESSENTIAL is what would be said of Disaster Drawn if it were advertised on a billboard. Engaging both literature and history in the unexpected medium of comics, Chute draws her own verbal pictures so effectively she becomes as much an artist as those she is writing about. Her accounts of graphic novels depicting the Holocaust and Hiroshima become so painful it’s necessary to look away at times not only from the images but her words. When Sacco goes to cover the slaughter in the Balkans he is as representational as a photographer, yet he is even more intense and painful because his visual reports contain his consciousness and sensibility so that one feels not only the horror of what he is depicting but also his own horror. Violence, suffering, endurance bring their own catharsis as with all great tragedy. Sophocles would have smiled at Chute. In Disaster Drawn, Hillary Chute not only sees; she becomes a seer. She presents, finally, in her own words, ‘the undimmed force of the hand-drawn image.’ -- Peter Davis, Academy Award–winning filmmaker of Hearts and Minds and author of Girl of My DreamsChute’s work is a magnificently insightful and meticulously researched analysis of the powerful role comics play in witnessing war and trauma…What emerges is a particularly impressive sense of the sustained power of comics and drawing. -- Hans Rollman * PopMatters *Hillary Chute puts forward a convincing and comprehensive argument that comics as a medium are perfectly positioned to act as documentary, as a form of witnessing, as a means of engaging and prodding history (particularly war-generated and traumatic histories). -- James Walker * The Spokesman *

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Book SynopsisGreenhill offers the first systematic examination of forced migration as an important but largely unrecognized instrument of state influence. She shows both how often this unorthodox brand of coercion has been attempted and how successful it has been.Trade ReviewWeapons of Mass Migration simply altered the way I viewed the flow of peoples. Countries with lower standards of behavior can use the threat of forcing their people to leave, which would send a flow of unwanted migrants/refugees to democracies that would then have to deal with them. It is very much an asymmetric approach for weaker authoritarian regimes to mess with advanced democracies. Is this policy relevant? You betcha, as democracies such as the United States have to figure out how to react to these kinds of threats. It certainly pressured France and Italy in different ways when Qaddafi was threatening to send refugees to Europe. -- Stephen M. Saideman * Foreign Policy *A new, authoritative look at forced displacement, skillfully linking politics to migrations. This combination moves beyond migration as a single focused topic and connects it to choices within foreign policy. Any student of demography, conflict, and politics will be well served by this exploration of the interaction between government control, migration, and the willingness of populations to move. * Political Science Quarterly *An innovative and beautifully written analysis of how, and to what extent, refugee flows are exploited by states in order to affect policy options taken and decisions made by their counterparts. * Journal of Refugee Studies *Greenhill explains the use of state-engineered migration as a tool of coercive statecraft in the post–World War II era. She rightly points out that this rather insidious means of political suasion has been used numerous times over the relatively short period examined, and with a striking degree of success. Weapons of Mass Migration is innovative, well written, rigorously researched, and timely. It is both theoretically innovative and policy relevant, and will likely spur several new paths for IR research and migration studies. * Perspectives on Politics *IR theorists, foreign policy analysts and migration, security studies, and human rights scholars will all find this book a valuable addition to their scholarship. * Political Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Understanding the Coercive Power of Mass Migrations2. The 1994 Cuban Balseros Crisis and Its Historical Antecedents3. "Now the Refugees Are the War": NATO and the Kosovo Conflict4. An Invasion to Stop the Invasion: The United States and the Haitian Boatpeople Crises5. North Korean Migrants, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Nuclear Weapons6. Conclusions and Policy ImplicationsAppendix: Coding Cases of Coercive Engineered Migration Index

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Book SynopsisA leading historian’s guide to great-power competition with China and Russia, as told through America’s successes and failures in the Cold WarTrade Review“There is an undeniable ease and fluidity to Mr. Brands’s narrative, and his use of Cold War archives is impressive.”—A. Wess Mitchell, Wall Street Journal"A reminder that strategic patience was crucial to success in the Cold War."—Gideon Rachman, Financial Times“Sometimes to truly understand the future, you must deeply examine the past. Hal Brands brings the profound lessons of the US-Soviet cold war to the unfolding competition with China in The Twilight Struggle.”—Admiral James Stavridis, US Navy (Ret.), 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and author of Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World’s Oceans “Good strategy starts with an understanding of history. And no one has thought harder about the lessons of the past than Hal Brands. If you want to know how America can win today's rivalries with Russia and China, read this book about how it triumphed in another twilight struggle: the Cold War.”— Stephen J. Hadley, national security adviser to President George W. Bush “A masterful account of the Cold War, the perils along the way, and the elements of the U.S.-led western strategy that won that war without ever firing a shot and a superb distillation of the lessons that the always-impressive Brands takes from that struggle as we enter a similar era of renewed great-power rivalries. This is a must-read for those seeking to illuminate the way forward with insights gleaned from the past.”—General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition/US Forces in Afghanistan and former Director of the CIA“This thoughtful, evocative, and captivating book is one of the best you can read to understand how America has won long-term strategic competitions with other great powers in the past, and the hard choices that are likely ahead in the brewing long-term competition with China.”—Robert O. Work, 32nd U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense

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Book SynopsisWhy and how America’s defense strategy must change in light of China’s power and ambition—A Wall Street Journal best book of 2021Trade Review“Colby, the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, here lays out—realistically, concretely and in plain-spoken American English—how Washington must act decisively to check Beijing’s growing power and ambition.”—Wall Street Journal, “Ten Best Books of 2021”“Rigorously argued and compelling. . . . This book will define the basis for future debate about U.S. defense strategy in Asia. . . . Mr. Colby earns a place as an intellectual heir to the Cold War strategists who thought seriously about how to thwart Soviet designs. . . . [He] is courageous in forcing readers to think concretely about the unthinkable. . . . The task of deterring Chinese aggression is urgent, and Mr. Colby’s book presents a needed path forward.”—Dan Blumenthal, Wall Street Journal “What to do about China’s rising might and territorial ambition? Brilliant strategist Elbridge Colby takes on this vexing and increasingly urgent challenge with a clear-eyed, forceful but carefully thought-out approach. Cogently, lucidly, he uses the lessons of history to show that the best way to avoid war is to prepare for war.”—Evan Thomas, coauthor of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made “Colby’s well-crafted and insightful Strategy of Denial provides a superb and, one suspects, essential departure point for an urgent and much-needed debate over U.S. defense strategy.“—Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr., Foreign Affairs “An exceptional book. Elbridge Colby has written a book on defense strategy that reaches a level of theoretical mastery akin to Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations. There is no better guidebook to how we should think about war and peace in this new age of great power competition.”—Robert D. Kaplan, author of Asia’s Cauldron “This is a realist’s book, laser-focused on China’s bid for mastery in Asia as the 21st century’s most important threat.”—Ross Douthat, New York Times “Anyone interested in US strategy should read this tour de force from the primary author of the celebrated 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy. This well-written, masterfully constructed, logically compelling book conveys the essence of strategy from one of the best current practitioners of the trade. Highly recommended!”—Robert O. Work, former Deputy Secretary of Defense “Elbridge Colby has written an outstanding book. For anyone interested in understanding what a possible war between China and the United States might look like, The Strategy of Denial is the place to start. It is analytically rigorous, well-informed, and filled with interesting and smart insights.”—John Mearsheimer, author of The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities“Succeeds brilliantly in the task of building a broad strategic framework—one that is actually new—for how to think about America’s defense in the face of a rising China. . . . The Chinese military are going to translate and classify this book—if they haven’t already.”—Michael Pillsbury, senior fellow and director for Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute “This is an incredibly important book. . . . The definitive work on U.S. defense strategy that should guide our strategic competition with China for the years to come.”—Christian Brose, author of The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare “There are many ways to lose wars or win them, but only one way to avoid them: to envision closely enough the dangers to be averted by deterrence or defense. This book brings together pure intellect, wide knowledge, and practical experience to show how U.S. defense strategy must change—and fast.”—Edward Luttwak, author of The Rise of China vs. the Logic of Strategy “As experts continue to warn of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan within the decade, denying such an invasion must be our top defense-planning priority. Mr. Colby spells out what we need to do in order to deter—and if necessary, win—a war over Taiwan. . . . An essential read.”—Mike Gallagher, U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin, “Who Read What: Political Figures Share Their Favorite Books of 2021” “[A] brilliant . . . book on how to deal with the geopolitical and military threat from China. Will be much discussed and constantly referred to as we grapple with this challenge.”—Rich Lowry, editor of National Review (via Twitter) “The Strategy of Denial is an excellent book and a very important one. Fundamentally, it’s not an argument about ‘global stability’ . . . but rather that we need to think about defense strategy in terms of regions in order to achieve political objectives.”—Nadia Schadlow, senior fellow, Hudson Institute “Colby gives us an original and provocative approach to containing adversaries, especially China. . . . [D]istinguished by its moving seamlessly from international relations theory to detailed questions of diplomacy and force deployment.”—Robert Jervis, author of How Statesmen Think“The book is just a marvel of analytic clarity and of ruthless logic . . . a true pleasure to read . . . [and] a marvel of clear argumentation and deductive reasoning. . . . [It] cuts through a lot of politics and uncertainty in a really helpful way.”—Jennifer Lind, Dartmouth College “I suppose there are others who could have written such a book, but they didn’t, at least not with such mastery of analysis. I think I’ve read most [of the] worthwhile books on U.S. defense strategy that have appeared in the last two decades, but I’ve rarely come across one that has the intellectual rigor, the systematicity of analysis, and the sheer ruthlessness of logical reasoning—not to mention the erudition—found in The Strategy of Denial.”—Ashley J. Tellis, senior fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace “An engaging, vigorously argued and refreshingly readable case for a U.S. strategy focused on deterring China to reduce the danger of war.”—Doyle McManus, Washington columnist, Los Angeles Times “Thoughtful and rigorous. . . . Makes an extended case for curtailing other commitments to focus on China. . . . The book’s fundamental strength . . . is Colby’s willingness to test all sides of complicated debates. . . . Required reading for lawmakers, national security hands, and 2024 presidential hopefuls.”—Adam O’Neal, Washington Examiner “Exceptionally well-thought out. . . . A well-argued . . . case for why the United States should care about Beijing’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. . . . Its arguments are both self-evident and well explained [and] it is thoroughly enjoyable to read.”—Joshua Huminski, Diplomatic Courier “This is a book well worth reading, packed with fresh paradigm-cracking ideas, breaking all the china in thinking how to handle China.”—James Jay Carafano, National Interest

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Book SynopsisWar Transformed: The Future of Twenty-First-Century Great Power Competition and Conflict provides insights for those involved in the design of military strategy, and the forces that must execute that strategy. Emphasizing the impacts of technology, new era strategic competition, demography, and climate change, Mick Ryan uses historical as well as contemporary anecdotes throughout the book to highlight key challenges faced by nations in a new era of great power rivalry. Just as previous industrial revolutions have advanced societies, the nascent fourth industrial revolution will have a similar impact on how humans fight, compete, and build military power in the twenty-first century. After reviewing the principle catalysts of change in the security environment, War Transformed seeks to provide a preview of the shape of war and competition in the twenty-first century. Ryan examines both the shifting character of war and its enduring nature. In doing so, he proposes important trends in warfare that will shape all aspects of human competition and conflict in the coming decades. The remainder of the book analyzes how military institutions must prepare for future competition and conflict. Competing and engaging in combat in this new era involves new and evolved strategies and warfighting concepts, as well as adapting our current military organizations. It will also demand building an intellectual edge in military personnel through evolved concepts of training, education, and development. As the competitive environment and potential battlefields continue to change, conceptions of combat, competition and conflict must also evolve. Mick Ryan makes the case for transforming how Western military institutions view war in this century.Trade Review“In a sweeping review of war and strategy, from Thucydides and Sun Tzu to Clausewitz, Fuller, Cohen, Qiao and Wang, Ryan distills accelerating trends affecting the character of war to make a compelling case for a rejuvenation of the profession of arms to face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and renewed great power contestation.” —John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University “While technology may be the catalyst for change in the coming 4th Industrial Revolution, our armed forces are ultimately altered by people, ideas, and institutions in that order. In War Transformed, General Ryan's timely and immensely readable book, the reader gains a keen sense of how the old and the new in human conflict will impact the profession of arms. A must-read and a sure-fire product for all security studies and military educational programs.” —Frank G. Hoffman, National Defense University, author of Mars Adapting: Military Change During War? “With War Transformed, Mick Ryan establishes he is among the world’s leading writers and deepest thinkers on future conflict. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand how to stay on the right side of the increasingly thin line between victory and defeat during the coming decades.” —August Cole, co-author of Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution and Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War “Few military leaders have thought as deeply about the future of war as Major General Mick Ryan. The result is a book rich in insights into the changing shape of conflict and strategic competition, and wise in its recommendations for how western militaries need to adapt to 21st-century challenges.“ —Theo Farrell, professor and deputy vice-chancellor for Education, University of Wollongong, and former head of the Department of War Studies, King’s College London “An essential read on the present and future of war, and I do not write that lightly. Mick Ryan's War Transformed is at the sweet spot of being both well written and incredibly informative.” —P.W. Singer, best-selling author of Wired for War, Ghost Fleet, and LikeWar Major General Mick Ryan (Ret.) completed this visionary description of evolving warfare only months before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. His insights eerily reflect daily reports from that front. He describes Chinese and Russian aggression and the use of simultaneous cyber, political and conventional forms of war as a wake-up call to Western democracies – whose leaders have already begun to face this new realm of war. Despite some structural challenges in the book, Ryan’s timely, insider’s view of contemporary and future warfare proves deeply relevant and informative. He also emphasizes an important strategy underlying military success: always stay curious and never stop learning. —Getabstract"War Transformed is strongly recom­mended as a guide to improve one's ability to navigate our uncertain future. Not everyone is a "surf rider," but this book will stretch minds and force readers to reassess longstanding assumptions and dated ideas. Its strength is in its synthesis of the ideas of many others, which makes War Transformed comprehensive and an excellent foundation for a security studies course." —Joint Forces Quarterly "Thought-provoking, wide-ranging, cogently written and full of important insights about the looming conflicts of this century, War Transformed lends itself to professional development discussions at all levels. It is a book that belongs on every national security leader’s bookshelf, and its ideas should spark some serious soul-searching in the U.S. military, as well as among allies and partners, as to whether the U.S. military and its partners around the world are adapting and changing quickly enough to meet the challenges that all will face in future conflicts." —Association of the United States Army

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