Title:
Of Men and Arms
Author:
Robert L O’Connell
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Pages:
367
Content: Conflict has always been a
significant theme running throughout human history. Mr O’Connell’s book
addresses the challenging interface between culture, weapons technology and
warfare. Specifically, he looks at the
irrationality within that relationship, the frequently disastrous lag of
culture (and therefore politics) behind military technology and the
effectiveness of arms limitation agreements in reducing potential damage. His
narrative, ranging from prehistoric times to the nuclear age, demonstrates how
social and economic conditions determine the types and tactics employed in
warfare and how, in turn, these innovations often undercut social values. He
goes further in identifying how weapons (such as the machine gun and ultimately
the atomic bomb) have made human qualities traditionally associated with combat
(such as leadership, valour and mercy) irrelevant in combat. An excellent read
and study into the interplay between the human psyche and the advent of
technology.
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