Since 1815 democratic states have emerged victorious from most
wars, leading many scholars to conclude that democracies are better
equipped to triumph in armed conflict with autocratic and other
non-representative governments.
Political scientist Michael C. Desch argues that the evidence
and logic of that supposition, which he terms "democratic
triumphalism," are as flawed as the arguments for the long-held and
opposite belief that democracies are inherently disadvantaged in
international relations. Through comprehensive statistical
analysis, a thorough review of two millennia of international
relations thought, and in-depth case studies of modern-era military
conflicts, Desch finds that the problems that persist in
prosecuting wars -- from building up and maintaining public support
to holding the military and foreign policy elites in check --
remain constant regardless of any given state's form of government.
In assessing the record, he finds that military effectiveness is
almost wholly reliant on the material assets that a state possesses
and is able to mobilize.
Power and Military Effectiveness is an instructive reassessment
of the increasingly popular belief that military success is one of
democracy's many virtues. International relations scholars, policy
makers, and military minds will be well served by its lessons.
General
Imprint: |
Johns Hopkins University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
June 2008 |
First published: |
2008 |
Authors: |
Michael C. Desch
(Packey J Dee Professor of International Relations; Director, Notre Dame International Security Ctr)
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 20mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
248 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8018-8801-4 |
Categories: |
Books >
Social sciences >
Warfare & defence >
General
|
LSN: |
0-8018-8801-8 |
Barcode: |
9780801888014 |
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