The Causes of War and the Spread of Peace - Azar Gat

This review has been submitted to Soldier Magazine.

Title: The Causes of War and the Spread of Peace

Author: Azar Gat

ISBN: 978-0-19-879502-5

Publisher: Oxford UP

Year: 2017

Hardcover

Pages: 303

The author has undertaken an analysis of war as a fundamental aspect of man’s psychological development. He suggests that conflict is in fact a manifestation of societies need for: culling of the weak, power, resources and space. The first world has developed to the point where these needs have been met without the need to resort to physical violence; diminishing the requirement for war. Non-first world countries do not have this level of development and are still subject to the more basic needs. Globalization means that the challenges of these countries cannot be contained within their boundaries. A thoughtful and well balanced analysis of modern international challenges.

Royal Betrayal: The Great Baccarat Scandal of 1890 - Michael Scott

Title: Royal Betrayal: The Great Baccarat Scandal of 1890

Author: Michael Scott

Publisher: Endeavour Press

Year: 2017

E-Book

Pages: 190

Endeavour Press is a publishing house specializing in digital or e-publishing. It makes for a very efficient way to access and enjoy their works. Royal Betrayal is a narrative relating to a scandal that, by modern standards, would appear to be of the utmost triviality but, when placed in the context of the 1890’s, threatened to undermine the very foundation of English society.

The book entails an allegation of cheating at a popular upper class parlour game called baccarat at a time where personal honour counted for everything within the closed ranks of London society. Present at the game when the assertion was suggested was the Prince of Wales, himself the subject of a series of questionable activities and public scandal in the media. The book traces the machinations of the participants through attempted cover-up, media intrigue, public trial (where the Prince of Wales himself was forced to testify) and finally the fall out.

In order to fully appreciate the magnitude of the indignity and public humiliation of this event and its potential ramifications for the Royal Household, one must understand the degree to which the public was becoming fatigued with the hypocrisy and double standards of the period between the privileged and not; also the role of the media in spreading salacious gossip about the Royals. Scott has done a commendable job at highlighting the vast gulf that existed between the classes in Victorian England.

The story is a fascinating and engaging one as much for the intrigue as for the potential consequences of the event. The narrative is somewhat awkward at points and the author has a distracting habit of injecting questions into the storyline that serve to break the flow of the tale. Nevertheless, it is gripping account that might be mistaken for a good fictional yarn if it was not credited as fact. A keen example of the shallowness, crass and petty politics of the Victorian age.  

Clan Cleansing in Somalia: The Ruinous Legacy of 1991 - Lidwien Kapteijns

Title: Clan Cleansing in Somalia: The Ruinous Legacy of 1991

Author: Lidwien Kapteijns

ISBN: 978-0-812-22319-4

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania

Year: 2013

Softcover

Pages: 308

Photos/Maps: 0/1

The ongoing trials and tribulations of the Horn of Africa are well known; however, the history and cause of the degree of dislocation and ongoing state collapse is not nearly as well understood. Kapteijns has encapsulated in his four chapter analysis of the history, causes and ongoing legacy up to 1991 (the height of the genocide) a succinct and detailed synopsis of the Somalian tragedy.

His first chapter undertakes a study of the reaction of the Somali people to their environment through the medium of poetry. While interesting, it strikes the reader as odd and somewhat out of step with the rest of the book. For those who would see the resilient capacity of the human spirit to overcome incredible adversity, it is an interesting view.

The book really engages with the second chapter which discusses the reign of President Barre and the actions that he took during the 21 years that he ‘governed’,  that both secured his hold on power while concurrently undermining it and ultimately causing his downfall. The watchwords of his administration were corruption and division. He undertook a deliberate policy of dividing the clans in order to deflect attention away from his own dishonesty. By doing so he created the conditions of deep hatred and distrust of not only his government, his clan bt also the other numerous clans within Somalia. The author undertakes a noteworthy analysis of this period that sets a clear tone for the follow-on chapters that discuss the actual descent into societal chaos. The clear take away from the historical review is the setting of the preconditions for collapse and the incredible self-centred hubris of the clan leadership.

Chapter three is where the author discusses the collapse of the government, the fighting in Mogadishu and the absolute loss of any veneer of civilized behavior amongst the combatants. The outright dismissal of any notion of non-combatant and the use of terror aimed at clan cleansing (through the use of systemic rape, murder, torture, theft and starvation) is appalling. Kapteijns does not use sensationalism to pass on his points; the experiences through vignettes and fact as gathered by international agencies are presented in a stark, unvarnished manner that reinforces the horror. The capacity for base level violence and behavior amongst people and the self serving attitude from those that wish not the best for the people of Somalia but for themselves, is revealed in a manner that is all the more poignant for its  austerity.

Chapter four pursues a deeper analysis of the reasons for the utter breakdown of society and the deliberate targeting of non-combatants by the militias. It is a revealing study into the nature of human reaction when law and order is stripped away and the utter helplessness of the elderly, young and destitute is taken complete advantage of for personal gain. What is additionally disturbing is the revelation that regional powers took advantage of Somalia’s refugees as well.

As a means of understanding the background and psychology of the conflict between the government and the militias followed by intra-militia fighting, this book is a critical read. While it focuses solely upon the  events leading up to the utter slaughter of 1991, it presents a excellent synopsis of the conditions which have prevented a resolution of the Somali conflict to the present day. Kapteijns has done a superb job at explaining this tragedy in terms that are accessible to a wide audience. His bibliography is extensive and his research thorough. This is disturbing read but critical to the student of African history.

The New Scramble for Africa - Padraig Carmody

Title: The New Scramble for Africa

Author: Padraig Carmody

ISBN: 978-0-7456-4785-2

Publisher: Polity Books

Year: 2011

Softcover

Pages: 244

Photographs/maps: 0

Africa is a continent that has almost unlimited potential. Rife with both resource and human capital, it has however been limited in its realization of said potential due to the legacy of colonialism, rampant and systemic corruption within a majority of its governments/institutions and a resulting failure to translate its resource based economy into manufacturing. African leadership and its wealthy elite, looking to draw financial advantage from the potential of their countries, have now embarked upon a comprehensive sacrifice of their nations' birthright through the selling off of their resources to resource hungry second and first world nations. Carmody's book has undertaken a study of the history, causes, effects and potential outcomes of this new pillaging of Africa at the hands of a few for greed and short term gain.

The author commences his review by setting the stage through an analysis of the history of Africa's engagement with the east and west. Following the end of colonialism, the continent was a battle ground of proxy wars between the West and Soviet Bloc. During this time, governments were supported not for their effectiveness but for their willingness to undertake operations for one side or the other. However, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a gradual change transpired whereby western support and investment for governments became more closely aligned with accountability and transparency. Ironically, it was this insistence upon openness that created the opportunities for a resurgent Russia, emerging China and the EU to create markets for themselves. Unlike a majority of the west, which, concurrent with its demands for more accountability suffered a reduction in economic clout, cash rich China et al jumped into the breach with an approach that precluded any demand for change in the corrupt national leaderships. Their realpolitik approach sought advantage wherever it could be found for the betterment of their national goals. Carmody's overview of this is comprehensive and disturbing.

He then goes on to look in greater detail at the kinds of exploitation that are being undertaken with a specific emphasis on the role that China is now playing on the Continent. Attention is paid to the economic interests being sought after with a focus on timber, fishing, uranium, cobalt, food products, fuels and biopiracy. In each case, advantage is being taken over weak central governments and deep corruption in order to feed and furnish domestic demands. Carmody identifies not only the methods undertaken by these foreign powers but also the secondary and tertiary impacts on the African domestic markets and populations of these actions. As an example he discusses the impact of rampant illegal fishing within the EEZ of Somalia. Foreign factory fleets have, as a result of Somalia’s inability to enforce its territorial waters, been able to not only pillage this resource but also to undermine the domestic fishing industry of Somalia. Desperate fishermen have then turned to piracy to try and recoup their losses.

 Carmody's book is an extremely disturbing insight into the present day "Scramble for Africa" and its impact upon indigenous populations. Western powers especially are quick to jump on the symptoms of this malaise (such as piracy) but very slow to respond to the underlying causes of these behaviours. Well researched and logically presented, Carmody's book, while five years old, identifies the pattern that has been followed since then with predictable results. An extensive bibliography and notes section provide ample additional reading options.

Infidel Kings and Unholy Warriors - Brian A. Catlos

  This review has been submitted to The British Army Review

 

 

 Title: Infidel Kings and Unholy Warriors

 Author: Brian A. Catlos

ISBN: 978-0-8090-5837-2

Publisher: Raincoast Books

Year: 2014

Hardcover

Pages: 390

Photographs/maps: 23/6

Perception is one of the key driving factors in the formation of popular opinion. It need not be based in fact because perception forms ones reality; it has been shown time and again that even when faced with facts that are contrary to ones opinion, it is very difficult to change initial perception. That does not mean however, that it is impossible to realign ones view and this is the basis of the importance of Catlos' book on the historical interactions between Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

The author's thesis centres upon the fact that historically the three major religions have been able to not only co-exist but have actively supported one another politically, economically as well as militarily. When there has been violence allegedly aimed at one particular group it is easily proven that while on the surface it may seem to be based in religious intolerance, there has always been a political or power motivation behind the action. Catlos' book refutes the idea that religious differences have precluded cooperation and coexistence.

Drawing upon a series of regional examples focusing upon Spain, Egypt, Sicily and the Levant, he proves conclusively that religion adapted to the political and economic realities of the time and that it was but one of a series of tools that individuals used to attain their goals. It was not however, an end in and of itself. In fact he specifically refutes the concept that the Islamic conquest was one of imposed religious expansion wherein the conquered had to accept the tenants of Islam.

He opens his book with a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the religions before drawing upon actual examples throughout the region's identified in order to prove his case. What the author provides is an in depth analysis of the complexity and the tolerance that existed between the major religions (and the sub-sects of these groups). Each was dependent upon the other and a political leaders success very much depended upon their ability to promote and facilitate this tolerance.

A well written and comprehensively researched work that sheds light on the shallowness of modern perceptions regarding interfaith relationships. Catlos's work should be included as a baseline introduction into the complexity of traditional societal and religious interaction and it goes a long way in refuting the message that has been hijacked by those looking to advance their own agendas using faith as a wedge.

Our Last Best Chance - King Abdullah II of Jordan

Title: Our Last Best Chance

Author: King Abdullah II of Jordan

ISBN: 978-0-141-04879-6

Publisher: Penguin

Year: 2012

Softcover

Pages: 346

Photographs/maps: 39 b/w

The Kingdom of Jordan stands as a bastion of stability in a very unstable neighbourhood. That it has been able to maintain internal order and good governance despite poverty, a massive refugee challenge and a region wracked by sectarian and religious violence is a testament to its benign leadership and a moderate and balanced approach by government. The role of the Royal family in Jordan has been instrumental in the maintenance of this stability.

King Abdullah came to the throne unexpectedly upon the death of his father King Hussein in 1999. Since then he has dealt with the second Iraq War and its regional fallout, the Arab Spring, the world economic crisis of the late 2000’s, War in Syria, the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli issue and the challenge of the international perception of Islam with the rise of ISIL. His book is a reflection of his thoughts and vision of how these and other issues are being met, the challenges associated with each both regionally and internationally and what may be done to address them.

His book is a balanced and thoughtful assessment of the root causes of these issues and the role that Jordan and the international community must play in addressing them. He does not shy away from forthright criticism of all parties and the continuing narrow mindedness of the actions of individuals and states. He is particularly critical of the Israeli approach to the issue of the Palestinians; his observations however, are not simply rhetoric and bombast but measured and reflect a position based upon contemplation and experience.

His work provides an excellent insight into the realities of Arab politics: the challenges of tribalism, individuality, religion and economic disparity. His is a world where coups and the threat of political violence is a very strong reality. He outlines his efforts to improve education and the access of all to the benefits of the global economy while recognizing the history and culture of the Arab community. It is a fascinating view of the interface between politics, the integrated role of religion in all aspects of society and the lingering traditions of the Arab people relating to the role of tribes, women and honour.

King Abdullah has a foot in each camp. He brings to his book his insights into the Arab mind tempered with his exposure and understanding of the Western world. His is a benign and moderate leadership whose success is reflected in the stability of Jordan. His book represents the thoughts and contemplation's of an experienced and respected Arabic leader. They are not couched in religious rhetoric but are presented in a very readable and logical fashion. It is evident that he has thought long and deeply on these issues and that he holds very strong opinions and beliefs. This is a book well worth reading and one that, it is hoped, will be followed by further writings on the subsequent events since its publication in 2012.  

Strange Defeat - Marc Bloch

Title: Strange Defeat

Author: Marc Bloch

ISBN: 978-8-087-83083-3

Publisher: Important Books

Year: 2013

Softcover

Pages: 133

Photographs/maps: 0

Between July and August 1940, Captain Marc Bloch, a fuel services officer in the French Army, drafted his testament of the cause of the French defeat at the hands of the German Wehrmacht. Bloch had seen active service in the trenches during the First World War and was a historian/professor during the interwar years. His service in the Second World War was undertaken at both operational and Army level HQ's where he was privy to the workings of the highest level of French Army command. With ample military experience and the eye of a professional historian, he was able to to discern much in the confusion that he witnessed around him.

His book is a poignant and insightful analysis of why the French Army and, by extension, the French Government and people were so thoroughly and soundly beaten when all of the potential existed for French victory. He addresses multiple aspects of the French armed forces and French society for, as he points out, there was no one issue but a combination thereof, that brought the house of cards down. He readily acknowledges that he did not have ready access to the 'behind the scenes' machinations of decision making but he did have a keen eye and a myriad of experience that gives his analysis validity and credibility.

He is both relentless and balanced in his exposure of the flaws that plagued the French leadership and HQ; he spares no level of command, but it is evident that his purpose is not to discredit on a personal level but to reveal on a professional level. His observations cross the spectrum of what today would be called the 'J-Staff'; some of his more telling observations follow:

1. Communication: A lack of common operating picture within the HQ's and a failure to pass information to the levels where it was needed in a timely manner. Also a tendency to hoard information;

2. Administration vs Operations: Administration trumped operational decision making. An emphasis on process as opposed to results. 

3. Hubris: An assumption of superiority and a failure to emphasize continuous learning. A failure to appreciate the changes that technology had brought to the battlefield and a reliance upon the "way it has always been done'.

4. Education: A failure to adapt and to take advantage of the opportunities to adjust and develop doctrine before the conflict started (the Germans used blitzkrieg techniques in Poland but the French ignored the lessons to be learned despite an 8 month gap between Poland and France).

5. Command: An inability of the commanders to adjust to the dynamic environment of modern operations as a result of experience, training and paradigm shortfalls. Bloch quotes a corps commander to Gen Blanchard (commander of the 1st Army): "Do what you want Mon General but do something!"; stated in Bloch's presence.

6. National Expectations/institutions: A rise amongst the population of a level of expectation for self (as opposed to national) service exacerbated by both government and media playing off political and economic fault lines resulting in stagnation and a psychological 'softening' of the population. A diminishment of critical thinking within scientific and centres of higher education.

These represent a few of the myriad of observations raised by Bloch. Unlike historians writing on the collapse of France in the past tense, Bloch's work is based on experience and having lived the drama. His comments are based upon his personal experiences and views. Bloch's work is a challenge to France to take a hard, unvarnished look at its performance in the war. Unfortunately, many of his views are prevalent in the military's and societies of today including a tendency to emphasize a success without recognizing where significant weaknesses existed. His narrative lacks perhaps some of the 'finishing' of a modern author's work but his points are clear and devastating; our modern institutions and commands ignore his lessons at their peril.

God's Terrorists: The Wahhabi Cult and the Hidden Roots of Modern Jihad - Charles Allen

Title: God's Terrorists: The Wahhabi Cult and the Hidden Roots of Modern Jihad

Author: Charles Allen

ISBN: 978-0-349-11879-6

Publisher: Abacus

Softcover

Pages: 349

Photos/Maps: 30/5

Wahhabism has been in existence for centuries and has been the source of radical destabilization within regions of the British Raj, India, the Ottoman Empire, the Nejd and, in more modern times, the Western world. It also maintains very deep and traditional ties with and enjoys ongoing patronage and support from one of the most longstanding allies of the West in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia. It represents perhaps the most extreme form of Islam in history and has been traditionally disavowed by moderate and mainstream Islamic schools. It has also been the subject of repeated efforts to destroy it through military action and, while it may have been diminished, it has never been eliminated.

Given that it is the foundation of the groups that represent the perceived greatest threat to the West and its tenants (Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Hindustani Fanatics etc), relatively little is known and even less understood about the motivations and religious underpinnings that drive these followers to act as they do. Allen has undertaken to not only trace the history and development of Wahhabism but to also provide the context within which the doctrine of this group has been nurtured. This is critical to the understanding of what drives the Wahhabist and the author has done a superlative job at boiling down a very complex issue into a manageable and comprehensible narrative. Most importantly, he has done this without diminishing the message or 'dumbing down' the content.

It is interesting to see how the cult of the personality figures so prominently within Wahhabism. Centred upon religious Madrassahs or schools, the students are indoctrinated from a young age, with limited external exposure and often from economically challenged backgrounds. They are vulnerable to the influences and charisma of their teachers who operate free from external oversight. Like cults anywhere, they prey upon the weak and impressionable. However, it must be stated that the roots of wahhabist discontent stem from a complex cocktail of disillusionment with the status quo, fear of change to the tenants of Islam and a perceived inability to influence from within the traditional structure.

Wahhabists are not interested in debate or discussion. Allen's book paints a very clear picture of a group operating under the notion that, regardless of the source of the challenge, the initiator is wrong and they are correct. He does not suggest ways to address or undermine the influence of wahhabism, merely outlining the how's and why's relating to the creation and flourishing of it.

 

A fascinating read and a superb synopsis of the history of this religious organization. It is not going away nor will it be stamped out through military action alone. It is not a movement that relies upon centralized direction, nor will it be short of recruits while misguided teachers prey upon the uneducated and destitute. I strongly recommend this book; it is fair, balanced and, above all, educational.

Fleeing From The Fuehrer - Charmian Brinson and William Kaczynski

This review has been published in Soldier magazine: www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

Title: Fleeing From The Fuehrer

Author: Charmian Brinson and William Kaczynski

ISBN: 978-0-7509-6188-2

Publisher: The History Press

Softcover

Pages: 192

Photos: 145 

This is a very unique and fascinating book. In an age of electronic communication, it is easy to forget how critical the written letter was to millions of people displaced by the ravages of war. World War 2 was witness to one of the largest displacements of people, on a global scale; never before seen or imagined. The authors have collected and studied the role that mail played in keeping families connected, reuniting those loved ones pulled apart by conflict and how the post actually reflected the one means by which, regardless of whose side one was on, connections were maintained. A comprehensive and thoughtful work.

Bomber Boys: Fighting Back 1940-1945 - Patrick Bishop

Title: Bomber Boys: Fighting Back 1940-1945
Author: Patrick Bishop
ISBN: 978-0-00-719215-1
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Softcover
Pages: 429
Photos/Maps: 61/6

Little in the study of the Second World War has elicited  more controversy than the bombing campaign wrought by the RAF (and Dominion nations) and the USAAF against mainland Europe. Questions abound regarding the morality and effectiveness of this campaign. Regardless however, of ones ethical position on the subject, the fact remains that the campaign did occur and was undertaken by young men, following orders, who suffered the highest casualty rate amongst the Allied war effort. A total of 125,000 aircrew served by the end of the war (this figure includes those still in training); of these, 55,573 were killed, 8,403 wounded and 9,838 made prisoner of war; a 44% casualty figure - and if one reduces the number of aircrew to those who flew operationally the casualty rate is closer to 65%.

Bishops book is not primarily a study of the success or failure of the bombing campaign, it is a look at the people who manned the bombers; how they trained, their recruitment, experiences, aircraft and recollections all set within the context of the war and the pressures therein. It provides a fascinating insight into their world and how different it was from that of the fighter or coastal patrol communities. Additionally, it encompasses a narrative on the ethical dilemma that crews dealt with relating to the doctrine of area bombing in a comparison of official policy, personal experience and national expectation.

In many respects, Bomber Command was a study in contrasts. On one hand, the casual way in which crews were formed (all new crew members regardless of rank or flying position were put into a room together and told to 'sort themselves out) into crews versus the controversy associated with the formality of rank amongst the crew members. The granting of commissions (officer status) was not consistent thus pilots could be sergeants or officers (as an example) and it differed on each crew. Yet, not only was the pilot viewed as the crew commander he was also expected to be the last to leave the aircraft in the event of a necessity to bale out. Additionally, this resulted in crews being broken up between Messes and receiving differing pay and benefits;a source of some irritation. Conversely, these crews were highly professional and amongst the most highly trained technicians in the war. All the more so due to the fact that this was the first true air campaign undertaken and many technical advances in such areas as navigation and bomb-aiming were needed to be learned and assimilated as the war progressed

It is perhaps fair to say that those associated with the bombing campaign became Kipling's  'Tommy Atkins'  of World War Two - needed by the population and the politicians during the war but quickly dismissed and ignored as an awkward and unseemly topic once their services were no longer required. Bishop has written an excellent study of those that undertook this thankless campaign and has shed light upon who they were and why they did what they did at a very personal level. An important read for leaders and politicians who call upon their military to undertake a distasteful task and their responsibility to acknowledge the sacrifices made, despite the potential cost.

On the Precipice - Peter Mezhiritsky

Title: On the Precipice

Author: Peter Mezhiritsky
ISBN: 978-1-909384-95-8
Publisher: Helion and Company
Softcover
Pages: 399
Photos/Maps: 27/7

This book represents one of the first comprehensive Russian studies of the impact of Stalin's purges upon the psychology and effectiveness of the Soviet military running from the period 1932 to 1941. It is a fascinating subject, little understood by the West, as it touches upon a myriad of subjects:

1. Why did the Leadership of the post-Tsarist Soviet army allow itself to be culled without reaction;

2. What were the underlying causes that drove Stalin to undertake such a draconian course;

3. How was Stalin able to create an environment within which he was able to wipe out his officer class;

4. What impact did Stalin's actions have on countries outside of the Soviet Union;

5. Why did the Red Army stay loyal to Stalin's government; and

6. What impact did Stalin's actions have upon the effectiveness of those leaders of the Red Army that survived the purges?

Any student of military history, international relations and psychology has a rich subject to look at here. At no time in history has the leadership of a nation undertaken such a thorough bloodletting of its professional military class, followed by a devastating war and come out at the end stronger than when it started.

Unfortunately, this book has a number of drawbacks that take away from its enjoyment and utility. Primary amongst these is the writing style of the author. The closest that I can come to relating to it is to compare it to a discussion with an old uncle relating stories of his past after having had a few drinks. He is not completely drunk but is certainly not sober and trying to follow his line of discourse can be challenging in the extreme. Regularly, the author's narrative seems more like a stream of consciousness rather than a structured study. Subjects are brought up but not completely finished before the author is on to a different track. This is both extremely frustrating and confusing.

The book has a number of interesting nuggets of information for those willing to wade through its narrative and the subject is one that is absolutely horrifying and fascinating; however, I would recommend it only for those with time and patience looking for a starting point from which to follow up on the subject of Stalin's purges. This is not the definitive work on the subject and, while the author has made an obvious effort to shed light using Russian primary sources and deserves credit for his undertaking, this is not a book that a typical Western reader would appreciate or easily follow. 

 

 

Unlikely Diplomats: The Canadian Brigade in Germany, 1951-64 - Isabel Campbell

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Soldier Magazine. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the magazine. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Assistant Editor Soldier Magazine (rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk). Website for the Magazine is: http://www.army.mod.uk/soldier-magazine/soldier-magazine.aspx

Title: Unlikely Diplomats: The Canadian Brigade in Germany, 1951-64

Author: Isabel Campbell
Publisher: UBCPress
ISBN: 978-0-7748-2563-4
Pages: 253
Photos/Maps: 0/0
Rating: 4/5
 
Canada's role within the NATO system and its subsequent influence on the world stage, despite participation and success in two world wars far in excess of its relative size, has always been perceived as secondary to the traditional, larger players. Campbell's book is an outstanding study into how the Canadian Government took advantage of the opportunity, presented by the deployment of its land force's back to the European theatre, to proactively establish and exercise a uniquely Canadian foreign policy. Drawing upon copious primary sources, Campbell has shed light upon a fascinating aspect of the interface and challenges of not only civil/military relations within Canada, but also how the role of this Brigade fundamentally changed the paradigm of the Canadian Defence community. Superbly researched and written, this book stands as a testament to the impact that small forces, skillfully lead, can have on an international stage.

Warrior Geeks - Christopher Coker

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Soldier Magazine. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the magazine. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Assistant Editor Soldier Magazine (rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk). Website for the Magazine is: http://www.army.mod.uk/soldier-magazine/soldier-magazine.aspx

 

Title: Warrior Geeks

Author: Christopher Coker
ISBN: 978-1-84904-254-3
Publisher: Hurst and Company
Hardcover
Pages: 330

Coker’s book focuses on the potential eradication of the Homeric warrior as a result of the advancement of science and technology. That is to say, he discusses the human element of the war fighter being subsumed by biologically and technologically enhanced soldiers, devoid or incapable of the warrior ethos/ethic and the human character that is an inherent part of who we are. This is not an easy read, nor does it leave one feeling particularly comfortable; it is not meant to. It raises disturbing, challenging and fundamental questions that have not been addressed. A very thought provoking book. Recommended.

Of Men and Arms - Robert L O'Connell

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.