Cyberspace in Peace and War 2nd Ed - Martin C. Libicki

This review has been submitted to the RCAF Journal

Title: Cyberspace in Peace and War
Author: Martin C. Libicki
ISBN: 978-1-68427-586-7
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Year: 2021
Hardcover
Pages: 492

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare and diplomacy, the concept of cyberspace has emerged as a critical domain that shapes international relations, security, and conflict. Martin C. Libicki's book, Cyberspace in Peace and War, delves into this complex and rapidly changing realm with a comprehensive analysis that provides invaluable insights into the dynamics of cyberspace in both times of peace and conflict. Libicki, a distinguished scholar in the field of cybersecurity, draws on his extensive expertise to explore the multifaceted aspects of cyberspace, transcending the traditional boundaries between technology, policy, and strategy.

The book is structured in a well-organized manner, presenting its arguments and ideas clearly and systematically. It is divided into several sections, with each addressing a specific aspect of cyberspace. Libicki begins by laying the groundwork, offering a historical perspective on the development of cyberspace and its integration into contemporary society. This historical context is essential in understanding the evolution of cyber conflict and cooperation.

One of the book's strengths is its balanced examination of cyberspace in both peacetime and wartime scenarios. Libicki emphasizes that cyberspace is not solely a battleground; it is also a space for diplomacy, commerce, and communication. He convincingly argues that nations must adopt a holistic approach to cyberspace, incorporating it into their broader foreign policy and national security strategies.

The author does an exceptional job of dissecting the challenges and opportunities presented by cyberspace. He articulates the nuances of cyber warfare, highlighting the difficulties in attribution and deterrence. Libicki's insights into the concept of "cyber deterrence" are particularly noteworthy. He demonstrates that while traditional deterrence theories may apply to some extent in the cyber domain, they require adaptation to account for the unique characteristics of cyberspace.

Furthermore, Libicki makes a compelling case for the importance of norms and rules in cyberspace governance. He stresses that international agreements and norms can help mitigate the risks of cyber conflict and facilitate cooperation among nations. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of establishing such norms and the difficulties in enforcing them.

The book also delves into the issue of cybersecurity at the individual and organizational levels. Libicki emphasizes the crucial role of cybersecurity awareness and practices in mitigating cyber threats. He provides practical recommendations for individuals and organizations to enhance their cyber defenses, making the book relevant to a broad audience beyond policymakers and strategists.

Throughout the book, Libicki skillfully combines theory with real-world examples, case studies, and historical incidents. This approach not only makes the content more engaging but also underscores the practical implications of the concepts discussed. The author's extensive research and meticulous analysis are evident in his presentation of facts and evidence.

One of the book's highlights is its exploration of the role of non-state actors in cyberspace. Libicki discusses how non-state actors, such as hacktivists and cybercriminals, have the potential to disrupt international relations and security. He also examines the challenges posed by the blurring lines between state-sponsored and non-state cyber activities.

Libicki's writing is accessible and devoid of jargon, making the book suitable for a wide readership. He effectively breaks down complex technical concepts into understandable terms without oversimplifying the subject matter. This accessibility is essential, given the book's relevance to policymakers, military professionals, academics, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and international affairs.

In conclusion, Cyberspace in Peace and War by Martin C. Libicki is a commendable work that provides a comprehensive and balanced exploration of the multifaceted world of cyberspace. Libicki's deep knowledge of the subject matter, combined with his engaging writing style, makes this book an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by cyberspace in the context of international relations, security, and conflict. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike, offering valuable insights and recommendations for navigating the complex terrain of cyberspace in an era of both peace and war.

The World of the Battleship - Edited by Bruce Taylor

This review has been submitted to Military History Online. 

Title: The World of the Battleship
Author: Edited by Bruce Taylor
ISBN: 978-1-84832-178-6
Publisher: Seaforth Publishing
Year: 2018
Hardcover
Pages: 440
Photos: 100’s

The Battleship was, for decades, a symbol of beauty and raw power; epitomizing the authority of the State for which it sailed. Despite the fact that advances in technology has heralded the close of the Battleship era, it remains for many the quintessential example of the height of tangible State supremacy and influence. The World of the Battleship is a culmination of hundreds of hours of research and coordination to bring together a history of specific vessels spanning the period of 1882-1992 and twenty-one different navies. 

Each section of the book is drafted by a naval historian of the particular navy or region who focuses upon one ship that best represents the cream of that force. Replete with rare and fascinating photographs, the narrative describes the history, operational life and passing of these warships. The stories are presented in a thoughtful and engaging manner; focussing more upon the life of the ship and the crews experiences as opposed to exclusively the technical elements of ship design. Any engineering information is presented to provide context and background, rather than be the focus of the narrative. 

During the period covered by this book, Battleships were used by governments as a visible extension of their power and thus were an overt political, diplomatic as well as military tool. As such, the authors have incorporated into their studies, examples of the influence wielded and the perilous path the national governments trod as they tried to balance the enormous cost versus benefits of these ships. 

Attention is also paid the lives and interactions of the crews. Given that many of these ships had crew compliments in excess of a thousand crewmen, discipline, ethnicity, political machinations and professionalism (amongst others) all played very significant roles in the moral, effectiveness and confidence of these crews and ships. The authors draw upon examples to illustrate how these crews and their ships reflected the strengths and weaknesses of the States themselves. Often times, naval officers represented the cream of society and the lower decker’s those from ‘lower economic’ element’s. These communities were interdependent as the complexity of the ships demanded absolute focus and attention. Poor leadership, excessive discipline or even the quality of the food all had far greater impacts in the closed world of the ship that they would elsewhere. Instances of mutiny are addressed and discussed, as are catastrophic technical failures; each representing still relevant lessons to the modern reader. 

The community and comradeship of the crews on board these ships is emphasized as the true indicator of the strength of the Battleship. This loyalty served as the effective foundation of the ship. Ultimately the ship was a tool, but the care and attention needed for it to perform effectively and the common danger and hardship experienced, required a well-trained and motivated crew. 

This is an excellent book. It is of the highest quality in terms of publication and research. Each author presents a comprehensive bibliography about the national navy discussed, at the end of each section. It is a worthwhile addition to anyone’s library. 

The Square and the Tower - Niall Ferguson

This review has been submitted to Cdn Army Today Magazine

Title: The Square and the Tower

Author: Niall Ferguson

ISBN: 978-0-735-22291-5

Publisher: Penguin Press

Year: 2018

Hardcover

Pages: 563

Niall Ferguson’s area of expertise is economic history; he has been the author of a number of very engaging books ranging from the impacts of empire to the history of money. With this work, he has turned his attention to the ongoing struggle for power and influence between two fundamentally different elements in the quest for supremacy. The title of the book “The Square and the Tower” refer to St Mark’s Square in Venice where the mercantile class would meet to peddle their goods and the Tower, immediately adjacent to the Square, where the rulers of Venice held court. The ‘square’ refers to a horizontal proliferation of information and influence between individuals along a common, informal plain; whereas the ‘tower’ is a vertical or stratified application of control, culminating in a defined head or council. Throughout history, traditional leadership, be they monarchs, parliaments or dictatorships, have struggled with the real or perceived influences of the non-traditional groups or social networks such as unions, freemasons, illuminati or the like.

Ferguson suggests that accepted history in the modern age has, to a great extent, been a product that has been promulgated by the more traditional elements of our societies and that there are significant components that may have been disregarded or lost as a result; less traditional stories being relegated to the bin of conspiracy theory. Drawing upon different concepts of network theory (such as degrees of separation, viral contagions and homophily), he endeavours to show that the modern revolution in unstructured technology has resulted, not in a new or unique situation, but in what he describes as a Second Network Revolution founded in such things as the internet and Facebook.

The book is not an easy read nor does it have a sense of where it would like to lie; as a scientific analysis of the issues, a journalistic report or a historical, sociological treatise. While suggesting that the impact of Networks has not been the subject of a lot of historical attention, there is ample information, studies and analysis relating to organizational development to draw that conclusion into question. Ferguson also intersperses his discussion of Network theory with a series of charts and graphs that provide visual representations in support of his discussions.

Overall, the author has presented a work that feels that it is over-emphasizing the uniqueness of its discussion. Additionally, there are elements of the work that leave the reader hanging, looking for further explanation or expansion. As a historical work, some of Ferguson's observations appear to be quite general and lacking in the deeper scrutiny one would have anticipated.

Nevertheless, while not the best of Ferguson's work, this book certainly provides the reader with an interesting and thoughtful analysis of his thesis. Furthermore, there is ample suggestion and information to stimulate follow-on questions and discussion. The on-going struggle between extra-national social networking companies and traditional methods of governance are not going away and this book provides a timely and insightful discussion.

Logistics in the Falklands War: A Case Study in Expeditionary Warfare - Kenneth L Privratsky

This review has been submitted to The Journal of the RCAF

Title: Logistics in the Falklands War: A Case Study in Expeditionary Warfare

Author: Kenneth L Privratsky

ISBN: 978-1-47382-312-9

Publisher: Pen and Sword Books

Year: 2016

Hardcover

Pages: 271

Photos/Maps: 54/6

The Falkland’s War was a conflict that no-one anticipated or effectively planned for. A conventional war fought between two individual nations, one NATO the other South American, had simply not been in the paradigm of western planners for literally decades as focus had remained exclusively on the NATO-Warsaw Pact standoff. That the British prevailed was as much a testament to professionalism and their ability to improvise as it was to a heavy dose of luck. Logistics was the key to success in this conflict; the author, drawing upon interviews and primary source material, paints a vivid picture of the challenges facing the support elements of this force. The lessons that he gleans from his research are many and I have identified some of the more significant ones below, covering a broad spectrum of support doctrine.

Effective control of logistics relies heavily upon a clear delineation of command and responsibility. Give the distances involved and the resultant paucity of resources, it was strange that the overall commander of the British Task Force (Commander South Atlantic Task Force) Admiral Fieldhouse, did not sail with the fleet. This left task force logisticians trying to support four sub-group commanders (Rear Admiral Woodward – Commander Carrier Battle Group, Brig Thompson – Commander Landing Force, Commodore Clapp – Commander Amphibious Task Force and Captain Young – Commander Op Paraquet) who each had equal standing under Fieldhouse. Poor strategic and operational communication ability meant that inevitably conflicts arose relating to priority of support.

Additional challenges identified by the author included the breakdown of logistics discipline during the deployment phase to Ascension Island. Unfortunately, this is not an unusual case and has been repeated many times since the Falklands War. Clear marking, tracking information and prioritization is critical if items are not to be mishandled or misplaced. As soon as tracking control is lost over items, especially during a period of intense throughput, it is like randomly placing a book on a library shelf, the item will be most likely lost for the duration of the operation. The same holds true for inaccurate prioritization. Items are handled and given space on aircraft etc based upon their identified priority. Unfortunately, the old adage holds true: if everything is identified as priority, then nothing is priority. The need to maintain logistics discipline, regardless of the pressure to get things out of the door, is absolutely critical to the effective support of an operation.

Another area that the author discusses in detail is the atrophying of skill sets such as amphibious assaults into austere environments fully supported by logistics. Cost cutting and a paradigm of first world support available through NATO nations sapped the British of experience and knowledge. This reluctance to expend defence dollars on realistic training was not limited to the UK but their experience serves as a warning to other nations that it is “too late to buy insurance once the house is on fire”. Many Western members of the NATO alliance find themselves severely limited in their ability to undertake operations of any significant magnitude unilaterally due to a degradation or atrophying of skills and resources due to a reliance upon others to make up any shortfalls.

British victory in the Falkland’s war was not a foregone conclusion. One of the points that the author makes is that, while the British did lose a significant number of assets during the war, predominantly they were picket ships or combat vessels as opposed to support ships. Argentine orders to their pilots were to target the logistics elements of the fleet thereby crippling the British before they could get a foothold on the ground. The pilots, generally, went after the fighting elements and either consciously or otherwise, disregarded their orders. That they did was exceptionally fortunate for the British.

Privratsky’s book is the first to look at the Falkland’s war purely from the perspective of logistics. His work is thoughtful and insightful and conveys messages that continue to be relevant and timely. Many will argue that technology is making the world smaller and more accessible; however, as the Falkland’s war demonstrated, advances in technology raise both the level of expectation of the operators towards their support elements but also increases the degree of complexity that logisticians must overcome in maintaining and supporting far flung ops worldwide. This book contains a significant number of lessons for militaries of all stripes and capabilities and should be reviewed in detail.

The Dark Net - Jamie Bartlett

Title: The Dark Net

Author: Jamie Bartlett

ISBN: 978-1-61219-521-6

Publisher: Melville House

Year: 2014

Softcover

Pages: 306

Photos/ Maps: 0

One of the most profound initiators of change and social influence for the last two generation has been by far the internet and the reach and access that it provides to society at all levels. More than just a repository of information, it also serves as a platform for anyone, regardless of education, economic stature or social background, to promote their vision of the world and to act as architects of their own brand of change.

Bartlett’s book discusses what he identifies as the Dark Net; “internet underworlds set apart yet connected….worlds of freedom and anonymity, where users say and do what they like, often uncensored, unregulated and outside of society’s norms”. The key here is that it looks at the impact that anonymity has on the behaviours of people. In a world where less and less personal information is perceived to be private, the dark net provides an environment where society’s standards and rules may be cast aside.

Why is this significant? Bartlett’s work at first blush appears to be a rather superficial discussion of the concerns raised periodically by media and governments about the challenges posed by an unregulated body; however, as one moves forward in the book, it is clear that Bartlett’s analysis is both insightful and challenging to conventional thinking. He highlights not just practical questions surrounding issues of Net management and accessibility but also delves into areas with much broader implications; touching upon the fundamentals of our societies and perceptions.

This book is not an esoteric treatise on philosophy, rather a practical and tangible discussion on real world issues being played out online. Questions relating to the use of bitcoin on national economies, amateur pornography as practical revenue generation, sales and marketing of drugs and other items, privacy and government oversight are all discussed using interviews with real world people. Additionally, the ongoing passionate debates between those who feel that technology and the web represent the gateway to the ultimate evolution of man (so called transhumanists) or its downfall (anarcho-primitivists) are presented. Finally, the role that the web plays in facilitating “self-help” in controversial areas such as medicine, suicide, self-mutilation and anorexia is discussed.

The strength of this book lies in its non-judgement of the web, its explanation of the terms and concepts of this aspect of the Net, its balanced presentation of arguments for and against each of its areas of research and finally the questions that it leaves the readers to contemplate. It is for the reader to consider where he or she falls in terms of opinion. This is an excellent introduction and discussion of the challenges and potential existing online. Further, whether one likes it or not, it is the future and what generations of people are being influenced by. In order to better appreciate those things that drive modern decision making and activities, it is critical to understand the motivations and influences accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Not just parents, but leaders in all fields would do well to take the time to acquaint themselves with this world.

Three German Invasions of France – The Summer Campaigns of 1870, 1914 and 1940 - Douglas Fermer

This review has been submitted to the British Military History Journal

Title: Three German Invasions of France – The Summer Campaigns of 1870, 1914 and 1940

Author: Douglas Fermer

ISBN: 978-1-781593-54-7

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Year: 2013

Hardcover

Pages: 273

Photos/ Maps: 30/11

Germany and France have maintained a difficult relationship stemming back to the pre-German unification period of Prussia and Napoleonic France. Three wars were fought between the two nations during the 70 years from 1970 until 1940; each reflecting a period of political, doctrinal and societal change within each nation state. Fermer’s book looks at the root causes and the execution of these wars with a view towards highlighting the impact on these conflicts upon the French army and society primarily and upon Germany secondarily.

Fermer’s analysis is balanced and insightful. Despite the breadth of the topics that he has undertaken to review, he does so in a very succinct manner; the renditions of his observations easy to follow and well developed. His approach is to look at each of the individual engagements as a part of a greater whole. This facilitates a linear examination that clearly identifies the connections and causation's between the wars.

He has divided his book into four distinct parts, each addressing the individual conflicts as well as the precursor period in France leading up to 1870. Each section establishes the environment of the period and the main changes that had occurred as well as the main lessons to be learned from each encounter. Central throughout is the political atmosphere which remains the main cause of the military escalation between the nations. The use of the military as a tool of political gain must be balanced and extremely carefully applied; Fermer shows that, leading to 1870, the Germans were extremely adept at this but that limitations in political acumen by both participants made themselves felt to a greater degree as time went forward. Hubris on the part of both French and German leadership was legion.

Fermer also undertakes a detailed evaluation of the impact of success upon both the victor and vanquished both doctrinally and psychologically. His investigation reveals that the German use of lessons learned following their actions were far more in depth (and taken far more seriously) than their French counterparts. The French were further handicapped by their political instability and ongoing intra-national divergence. This manifested itself in inconsistent recruitment and armament policies as well as challenges in foreign policy.

Also, included in the book is a comprehensive listing of the references that he has utilized; of particular note is the number of primary source documents. Overall this is an outstanding rendition of the turbulent period encompassing these three conflicts. The author has drafted a narrative that recounts the characteristics of the conflicts themselves, the underlying causes (primary, secondary and beyond) and the results politically, militarily and socially thus providing the reader with a complete understanding of this period. Fermer’s book is an excellent account and source. 

Mountain Warfare and Other Lofty Problems - Lester Grau and Charles Bartles

This review has been submitted to the British Military History Journal

Title: Mountain Warfare and Other Lofty Problems

Author: Edited by Lester Grau and Charles Bartles

ISBN: 978-1-909982-07-9

Softcover

Pages: 246

Illustrations:  40 B/W, 11 maps

Publisher: Helion Publishing

Warfare requires numerous specialist elements in order for armies to function effectively in the myriad of environments within which they may have cause to operate. Maintenance of these skills requires equipment, time and constant practice; resources that are usually in chronically short supply. For this reason, it is incumbent upon leaders to look for ways to avoid having to 'reinvent the wheel' and to ensure that doctrine and methodologies are grounded in the expensive lessons of others.

The authors have put together an amalgamation of lessons and articles published in a variety of international professional journals specifically related to operations in a mountainous environment. The authors of these articles are professional military members hailing from numerous countries presently or recently engaged in mountain combat. Represented are Pakistan, the US, Russia, Argentina and numerous professional ex-military training cadres in Tashkent and Uzbekistan.

The articles themselves cover every aspect of operations including: communications, logistics, medical, training, artillery, small arms fire, aviation, reconnaissance, small and large unit tactics and generalized mountain combat techniques. The authors are all writing from firsthand experience and with the intent to pass on the valuable lessons that they have learned. The book is replete with tables outlying such things as pre-deployment timelines, effective lifting capacities of pack animals, soldiers and rotary wing and images illustrating tactical positioning for mountain shooting and movement. The information is practical and presented in a logical and useful manner; clear and concise.

At the conclusion of the book, the editors provide a section of additional reading resources for those interested in further expansion of their knowledge; they also make available information relating to the Journals within which the articles were originally printed, In addition each article provides a footnotes section with substantial expansion on the main themes of the body.

The information provided in this book is critical to enabling nations who do not have dedicated or only sporadic mountain deployments the chance to quickly establish a baseline of knowledge for their planners. The lessons of others are the cornerstone of effective future operations. The input of a cross-section of nations encompassing a wide expanse of geographical locations further enhances the utility and relevance of this work.

The Elements of Power - David S Abraham

Title: The Elements of Power

Author: David S Abraham

ISBN: 978-0-300-19679-5

Publisher: Yale UP

Year: 2015

Hardcover

Pages: 319

Photos/maps: 0

The term ‘Rare Earth Metals’ is not widely known. Indeed, for such a significant component of our everyday lives, it is shocking how these metals have continued to be overlooked except by a very few. The seventeen metals that make up the earth metals ‘family’ are perhaps some of the technologically and strategically most critical resources of today. If one owns a cell phone, drives a car, flies in an aircraft, lives in a structure or uses a computer, then you are reliant upon these earth metals. Without them, technology as we understand it would simply vanish.

Abraham’s book looks at the preponderance of rare earth metals from a variety of perspectives; in each case analyzing the potential risks and challenges associated with this facet. Drawing upon a broad range of interviews, primary source material and secondary sources, he clearly lays out his argument for greater attention and forecasting on the part of governments.

The first third of the book discusses the background behind the rise of earth metals, the challenges in finding and mining them and the international ramifications of the scarcity of these production facilities. He outlines the how foreign ownership of some mines (in many cases as a monopoly) increases the risk to national economies reliant upon these metals for many of their production lines. As an example Abraham cites the incident where China cut off exportation of a rare earth metal to Japan in order to pressure Japan into releasing a Chinese fishing captain awaiting trial for illegal fishing.  

He then branches into the environmental  quandary that rare earth metals pose for activists and governments. Rare earth metals are both a ‘green’ commodity as well as a pollutant. Critical for increasing the strength of steel and for producing the arms of the propellers in wind turbines (as just two examples), these metals reduce the weight of cars and facilitate alternate energy production. Conversely, however, the challenges associated with mining these resources require vast amounts of toxic materials to refine and produce them, and, while not impossible, they are extremely difficult to recycle.

Additionally, Abraham provides a comprehensive overview of the breadth of utility of these metals. Ranging from military and defence applications to the vast array of technological applications, the author provides the reader a clear sense of the impact that these items have, unknowingly to most, on our everyday lives. Extrapolating from that, he analyzes the exponential growth in the demand and, by extension, the sustainability of these resources. Given their relative scarcity, he looks at the back-room deals and methods that not only traders but also nations devise to take advantage of the leverage provided from having exclusive access. As an example, China has increased significantly the cost of exporting rare earth metals while keeping the domestic price low in order to bring international industry to the Chinese market.

Abraham’s book outlines the revolution that these earth metals are wreaking upon industry and technological development. His book, written in a convincing and forthright manner, pulls no punches but delivers warning after warning of the dangers of neglecting the development and implementation of a strategic plan to address the international needs of these metals. His thesis is solidly backed by reference material and reveals a thoughtfulness and insight into this relatively unknown subject. Militaries, industry and governments should take notice and develop comprehensive plans to address the issues that Abraham raises before it is too late. Strongly recommended. 

Scout’s Out - Robert Edwards

Tiitle: Scout’s Out

Author: Robert Edwards

Publisher: Stackpole Casemate

ISBN: 978-0-8117-1311-5

Hardcover

Year: 2013

Pages:

Photo’s: 500+ b/w

Robert Edwards has produced a broad-ranging synopsis of the German reconnaissance force of the Second World War. Knowledge, as any one will confirm, is power and the faster that it can be attained the more effectively it may be used to disrupt or undermine the plans of the enemy.  The German Army recognized the critical importance of this and placed special emphasis on the development of equipment and training to facilitate this area of expertise.

Scout’s Out starts with a history of the German Recce forces and their re-establishment during the interwar period. The reader is not only introduced to the methodology surrounding the doctrinal development of this element but also the iterations that the recce unit structure underwent as it developed. This is important because it shows how the Germans adapted their forces to meet not only the changing nature of their operational environment but also to accommodate the lessons learned as the war progressed.

The author spends a significant amount of the book discussing the equipment that the soldiers used to undertake their tasks. Again, one sees the significant amount of innovation and adaptability that the German forces used to increase their effectiveness. Certainly, the reader is left with a very high impression of the quality of German equipment. Included are colour templates of the different recce vehicles use throughout the war.

The book also discusses at length the operational history of the various Recce Units of the German Armoured Forces. As a reference and synopsis this is very useful. The book represents an excellent history and reference for these forces. The author is himself a retired Armoured Officer and brings a critical and knowledgeable eye to the subject.

This book represents an overview of these forces. It is not a combat history of any one unit but a comprehensive guide to the development, equipment tables, structure and rogue’s gallery of the units that undertook this vital task. Recce has always been a more independent arm of any armoured force with a fierce pride and professionalism. Edwards brings this out in his work. Replete with hundreds of photographs, a very high level of quality in the publication of the book, a clear and concise analysis of all aspects of the recce specialty; Edwards’ book is well worth the money and time to read and enjoy.

Collision of Empires: The War on the Eastern Front in 1914 - Prit Buttar

This review has been published in Soldier Magazine.

Title: Collision of Empires: The War on the Eastern Front in 1914

Author: Prit Buttar

ISBN: 978-1-78200-648-0

Publisher: Osprey

Year: 2014

Hardcover

Pages: 472

Photographs/maps: 32/17

 Histories of the First World War tend to focus on the events of the Western Front encompassing land, air and sea operations. Rarely, other than in passing, are the no less dramatic or critical events of the Eastern Front discussed in any degree of detail. The Eastern Front in this case encompasses not only the Russian Empire but also Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empires. Buttar has done an excellent job at highlighting the major challenges and battles of the Eastern theatre up until the end of 1914. He adroitly emphasizes the significant difference if fighting styles and doctrine application that the geographic realities of the east demanded of the protagonists. 

He commences his study with an analysis of the individual national strategies and aspirations as well as the events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities. He then follows this with a detailed look at the initial deployment phase of he war with special emphasis on mobilization plans, particular national strengths and weaknesses and the impact of the execution of those plans on the effectiveness of the early engagements. It is interesting how the demands of allies dictated the priority of operations and yet there was little to no formal planning for combined operations between the different nations.

Once Buttar has provided the reader with the background he focuses upon the major engagements of 1914: Tannenberg, Masurian Lakes, Galacia, Serbia and  Lodz. Echo's of future challenges are seen in all cases as logistics, time/space and speed of maneuver are all recognized quickly as key elements unique to the East. Additionally, the impact of modern technology on out of date doctrine asserts itself in the form of horrific casualties amongst all of the protagonists. Buttar is able to draw out the lessons in stark detail without breaking the flow of his narrative. Added depth is provided through his use of quotes from personal recollections, histories  and biographies of survivors.

His writing style is engaging and fluid and his research thorough. He has provided a comprehensive bibliography and notes section. It would have been beneficial to have had more detailed maps of the battles themselves but that was a minor distraction. His book was a pleasure to read.

Crisis on the Mediterranean: Naval Competition and Great Power Politics, 1904-1914 - Jon K Hendrickson

This review has been published in the Journal of the RCAF.

Title: Crisis on the Mediterranean: Naval Competition and Great Power Politics, 1904-1914

Author: Jon K Hendrickson

Publisher: Naval Institute Press

ISBN: 978-1-61251-475-8

Year: 2014

Hardcover

Pages: 219 

The world of today is so radically different from that of pre-World War 1 that it is difficult to even appreciate the challenges and concerns that nations of that period faced as they struggled with international relations. Central to this, the Mediterranean Sea, represented for many nations a key transport and security concern as well as a common border between many of the (then) worlds leading powers: Italy, France, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Each of these had its own agendas and visions of the region and, in many cases, these were at odds with the desires of their neighbours. Hendrickson's book traces the convoluted lines of international naval diplomacy between the nations of the Mediterranean during the period 1904-1914. It reinforces the fact that the consistent underlying theme in international relations is the fact that nations are never altruistic in their dealings with each other and that these relationships are nothing if not flexible.  

The author takes a chronological approach to the period, each chapter focussing upon a specific component of the interactions. This follows an initial synopsis of the environment and history of the region in order to set the tone for the reader as well as providing a start point from which to move forwards. His contention is that the natural state of affairs for the Med is anarchistic with no clear player holding a dominant position for an extended period of time; thus the British presence, controlling the Med for the last quarter of the 19th century, was a deviation from and not the norm. The start point for the books narrative is 1904 and the recognition by the British that they are no longer able to retain their naval hegemony in the Mediterranean. This has a series of knock-on effects for them including but not limited to: their ability to retain influence over the Ottomon's, the requirement for additional ground forces in order to retain control of their territories in Malta, Egypt and Gibraltar and the necessity to proactively seek allies with whom to share the burden of 'presence'. 

Hendrickson then goes on to trace and analyze the key milestones that delineated the relations between the international players as the Med came into play once again. Thus chapters are assigned for the rise of the Italian and Austro-Hungarian navies during their war scare between 1909 and 1911, their ultimate raproachment and the impact that this had on their strength in the Med. Following this, the decision by the Italians, bolstered by their confidence in their relations with Austro-Hungary and desirous of a greater influence in Med affairs, to invade Libya. The unanticipated impact of this was profound for Italy's relationship with both the Alliance countries and France. He then looks to the reaction of Britain and France to these unfolding events and how the international situation with Germany forced Britain to adopt agreements that were counter to her natural inclinations. The author goes on to shed light on the deepening relationship between Italy and the Alliance as a result of the reaction of the Entente nations to her expansionism. He then closes the main narrative with a discussion on the strategic impact to Frances war plans of the 19th Corps. Composed of the most most hardened and battle experienced soldiers in the French arsenal, it was stationed in Algeria and needed to be transported to France in order to fulfil its role in the Western campaign plan. The importance of this unit to France and the Entente is underscored by Hendrickson dedicating his final chapter to how France and Britain grappled with this problem.

Hendrickson masterfully balances technical analysis of fleet capabilities with a broader study of the operational and strategic implications of the political maneuverings being undertaken by the key players. His narrative style is clear, concise and facilitates an easy understanding of the complex issues facing the different dancers at the 'Med' Ball. He provides a comprehensive bibliography for further research and at the end of each chapter, a synopsis of the events covered. A fascinating and thoroughly researched book. Provides an in-depth look at the role of Italy and Austro-Hungary in the lead up to the First World War, covering areas normally lost in the German/British Naval race and the emphasis on the armies. An outstanding book.

Predator: The Secret Origins of the Drone Revolution - Richard Whittle

Published in "Warhistoryonline".

Title: Predator: The Secret Origins of the Drone Revolution

Author: Richard Whittle

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9964-5

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Year: 2014

Hardcover

Pages: 353

Photos: 26

Predator missions and strike footage is today considered to be rather mundane in the world of news media; real time video of ‘bad guys’ being struck by hellfire missiles or smart bombs is no longer the stuff of science fiction. However, it was not that long ago that this level of technological sophistication left its viewers incredulous. Whittle’s book traces the history not only of the development of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), its transition from a purely reconnaissance to a weapons platform and  ultimately its adoption and employment in operations throughout the world. He also discusses the challenges related to UAV operations, especially with the addition of weapons to its arsenal and specifically command and control and legal hurdles that had to be dealt with. 

Whittle’s premise, that the UAV was a revolutionary surveillance and weapons platform that changed the very nature of warfare, is justified by the end of the book but is also tempered by the degree of difficulty that the UAV program faced by conventional thinking and bureaucratic inertia. Like many breakthrough technologies, it was envisioned and developed by civilian companies who found it very difficult to convince the government and military of its relevance on the modern battlefield. 

 

The book highlights a number of interesting consequences of the UAV program and the advent of new technology onto the battlefield: 

a.       The marked increase in the challenges of micro-management as senior officers used the ‘real time’ technology to provide oversight, advice and assistance well below their traditional span of control;

b.      The challenges of bureaucracy as an impediment to change and, concurrently, what can be accomplished in incredibly short periods given the right motivation and backing (referring here to the success of the Big Safari organization in implementing technological advances in the UAV and communications systems);

c.       The challenge of command and control when multiple agencies operate within the same (developmental or operational) battle space. In the case of the Predator, various agencies such as the USAF, CIA US Army and Navy all had proverbial fingers in the pie thereby frustrating clear lines of authority;

d.      The time delay relating to authority for launch when it is centralized at the most senior levels; and

e.      The legal confusion related to what kind of weapon was represented by the Predator UAV. For example, could it be controlled and launched on third party soil, did it violate international treaties and did it represent a violation of Federal law with regard to CIA oversight?

 

Like most revolutionary programs, the UAV (Predator) project was replete with examples of incredible brilliance and breath-taking myopia. Whittle has translated the convoluted development of the UAV into a very readable and engaging book. There are many lessons to be derived from this experience for any entrepreneur or capital procurement program officer. It is very true the adage presented in the book that change requires a ‘seminal’ event to break comfort zones. The UAV project benefitted from one such event in the form of the September 11 attacks and has not looked back.

To Rule the Winds: The Evolution of the British Fighter Force Vol 1 - Prelude to War - The Years to 1914 - Michael C Fox

This review has been submitted to Airforce Magazine

Title: To Rule the Winds: The Evolution of the British Fighter Force Vol 1 - Prelude to War - The Years to 1914

Author: Michael C Fox

Publisher: Helion

ISBN: 978-1-909384-14-9

Hardcover

Pages: 314

Photos: 87

Tables: 14 

The early years of military aviation in Britain is not one of dynamic leadership or decision. Indeed, the British Government was well behind their counterparts on the mainland regarding recognition of military aviation capability/potential, assistance to the fledgling civilian industry and civil/military cooperation in the field of aviation. The author has endeavoured to trace the development of the British Fighter Force and the challenges that it faced both technologically and politically as it transformed from nascent straggler into a world leader of aviation technology. His first volume focusses on the period leading up to the First World War when aviation was at its birth. Indeed, even the concept of lighter than air 'craft' was being identified with two distinct tracks being followed: the airship and the airplane. 

What is fascinating about this period (and expressed very well by the author) is the struggle amongst government, civilian and military leaders as to what was required in terms of capability, who would control it, what developmental track should be followed (airship or airplane), how much money should be invested and should development be exclusively within the military or should civilian industry be both engaged and nurtured. These questions as much as the development of the capability itself dominated the discussion of this new element. Fox traces the challenges and arguments amongst the key players and emphasizes the recognition of the necessity for not only risk acceptance but also vision amongst the pioneers. It is difficult to appreciate from a modern perspective the degree of risk assumed should the leaders/developpers guess wrong as to where to put limited money and resources. 

Intertwined in the development of the physical aircraft itself was the challenge of doctrine or what the aircraft was anticipated to do. Fox discusses at length the debates regarding what the military saw as the potential use of aircraft in an operational setting. Focus centred upon reconnaissance which served as a logical and obvious start point but which quickly led to a variety of follow-on challenges; such as kinds of armaments that would be needed to ensure that the aircraft could undertake its mission unmolested. Communication with the ground was also understood to be a critical capability if reconnaissance was to be seen as worthwhile. Information had to be passed quickly or it rapidly became of limited value. How that was to be achieved became another line of discussion. Additionally, the nature of the aircraft design in terms of stability was of ongoing debate. An effective combat aircraft required significant instability to promote maneuverability yet that required skilled pilots and did not promote a good reconnaissance platform. Fox's evaluation of these issues is both insightful and clear.

 

The author has provided an in depth and comprehensive bibliography utilizing both primary and secondary sources. His use of tables also provides for quick and clear information for the reader. Fox has put together an excellent book, well researched and comprehensible. The machinations and struggles of the designers, government and customers of the fledgling military aviation arm is both noteworthy and broad ranging. Fox has shed light upon a little known or appreciated aspect of military development. In a period when extensive criticism has been leveled at the leadership for myopia and short-sightedness, Fox has provided a logical and well written analysis of the successes and failures of the British leadership and designers as they grappled with an absolutely untested technology and the consummate risk of getting the answers wrong.

In Peace Prepared: Innovation and Adaptation in Canada's Cold War Army - Andrew B Godefroy

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

Title: In Peace Prepared: Innovation and Adaptation in Canada's Cold War Army

Author: Andrew B Godefroy

ISBN: 978-0-7748-2702-7

Publisher: UBCPress

Hardcover

Pages: 275

Photos: 44 

The impact of the Cold War and the Nuclear Age upon not only the doctrine and equipment but also the very composition of the Canadian Army is not well understood; nor is the role that Canadian Commanders played in proactively shaping both Canadian as well as influencing NATO doctrine and structure. Godefroy's book looks at how these men grappled with the transition to an entirely new form of warfare, their forward thinking and vision as well as the challenges faced and overcome. Canada's military displayed a remarkable resiliency and adaptability that has largely been forgotten. The author has produced a balanced, eminently readable history of this noteworthy accomplishment.   

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.