Synopses & Reviews
Contemporary Military Strategy and the Global War on Terror offers an in-depth analysis of US/UK military strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq from 2001 to the present day. It explores the development of contemporary military strategy in the West in the modern age before interrogating its application in the Global War on Terror. The book provides detailed insights into the formulation of military plans by political and military elites in the United States and United Kingdom for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alastair Finlan highlights the challenges posed by each of these unique theatres of operation, the nature of the diverse enemies faced by coalition forces, and the shortcomings in strategic thinking about these campaigns. This fresh perspective on strategy in the West and how it has been applied in recent military campaigns facilitates a deep understanding of how wars have been and will be fought.
Including key terms, concepts and discussion questions for each chapter, Contemporary Military Strategy and the Global War on Terror is a crucial text in strategic studies, and required reading for anyone interested in the new realities of transnational terrorism and twenty-first century warfare.
Synopsis
Encompassing a time frame from 2001 to the present day, Contemporary Military Strategy and the Global War on Terror tackles the most pressing strategic issues in relation to both theaters of operation. Readers are presented with detailed insights into the relationship between US & UK political and military elites, and the formulation of their plans for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alastair Finlan dives into challenges of technology, policy, and the political environment which are more than ever a critical part of statecraft. This fresh perspective on strategy in the West and how it has been applied in recent military campaigns facilitates a deep understanding of how wars have been and will be fought.
Including key terms, concepts and discussion questions for each chapter, this book is a crucial text in strategic studies, and required reading for anyone interested in the new realities of transnational terrorism and twenty-first century warfare.
About the Author
Alastair Finlan is Lecturer in Strategic Studies at Aberystwyth University, UK. He is author of over a dozen books, including Contemporary Military Culture and Strategic Studies: US and UK Armed Forces in the 21st Century (2013).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Preface
1.Contemporary Military Strategy
2.The Afghan Conundrum
3.Operation Enduring Freedom
4.UK/US ‘Strategy in Afghanistan: The First Five Years
5.The Iraq Puzzle
6.Operation Iraqi Freedom
7.US/UK ‘Strategy in Iraq: The First Five Years
8.Contemporary Military Strategy and the Global War on Terror
Selected Bibliography
Text Boxes and Questions
Index