Description

Book Synopsis
America 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 Contents
Introduction: 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.

Vicarious Warfare: American Strategy and the

    Product form

    £17.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £19.99 – you save £2.00 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 17 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Thomas Waldman

    3 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Vicarious Warfare: American Strategy and the by Thomas Waldman

      Publisher: Bristol University Press
      Publication Date: 10/01/2023
      ISBN13: 9781529207002, 978-1529207002
      ISBN10: 1529207002
      Also in:
      Politics, Philosophy & Society International relations Theory of warfare and military science War and defence operations

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      America 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 Contents
      Introduction: 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.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account