For centuries international order has been troubled by small wars,
insurrections, and revolts--low intensity conflicts. With the
implosion of the Soviet empire many thought such violence could be
eradicated through the growth of democracy, open societies, and
increased productivity and education. Instead the world remains
filled with turmoil, pogroms, famine, civil war, rebellion, and
terror, often instigated by armed and dangerous zealots. To
Americans such killers seem alien and inexplicable, fanatics
without reason, beyond the reach of conventional containment or
retaliation. J. Bowyer Bell here explores the psychological and
strategic ecosystems (which he terms dragon worlds) of modern
political violence and suggests how America might effectively deal
with it.Dragonwars combines analysis with historical examples drawn
from America's involvement with armed struggle in Lebanon, Central
Am-erica, Greece, and Vietnam. In each instance, Bell argues,
American policy was flawed by lack of empathy and historical
understanding combined with a belief that failure could be traced
to mistakes in details and procedures. The break up of the old
bipolar U.S.-Soviet confrontation released suppressed ambitions,
tribal greed, and greater flexibility for the small player. With
new technologies of terror, zones of security will become smaller,
since open societies present attractive targets for zealots. Bell
rejects the notion that massive force can effect a swift and final
result. Instead, a new type of warrior will be required; one versed
in history and empathetic to the belief-systems of the dragonworlds
in which they are deployed.Bell acknowledges that his proposals run
counter to American belief and practice, but argues that in the
face of insoluble conflicts, incremental advantages, through
limited altered global arena, Dragonwars will prove an
indispensable guide for policymakers, military planners,
historians, and political scientists.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(1)
