 | ISBN: 978-1-58826-423-7 $65.00 | |
| ISBN: 978-1-58826-448-0 $25.00 | ||
| 2006/190 pages/LC: 2006002383 | ||
Without an understanding of precisely what victory means, Mandel argues, the outcome can involve policy paralysis, loss of public support, escalating postwar violence, and ultimately, foreign policy failure. Grappling with the moral complexities of victory in limited war, he discusses issues of security, war crimes, self-determination, reconstruction, and social transformation. He also identifies common fallacies held by victors. Case studies of recent military actions, including the ongoing war in Iraq, ¬inform a discussion of the usefulness of notions of victory in dealing with contemporary challenges.
A Choice Outstanding Academic Book!
"The Meaning of Military Victory not only systematically and insightfully tackles a topic that deserves far more attention than it has received; it also explains the roots of the American foreign policy debacle in Iraq. It engages issues of critical interest to students and practitioners of war alike and ought to be required reading for both."—Jeffrey Record, Parameters
"A timely, important analysis of the concept of military victory.... Mandel's work provides clarity in the search for policies that can define strategies for achieving political goals through the use of force.... Highly recommended."—Choice
"Robert Mandel brings order to one of the puzzles of the international security environment after World War II: why aren't the powerful states able to win the wars in which they find themselves?... For anyone interested in the meaning of victory in war, this book is a must read."—Allan C. Stam, Dartmouth College
"The Meaning of Military Victory addresses a crucial, and understudied topic, in an expert and comprehensive way.... It is directly relevant to both the ongoing war in Iraq and the war on terror."—Dominic Johnson, Princeton University