The Past as Prologue: The Importance of History to the Military Profession

ISBN-13: 9780521619639 / Angielski / Miękka / 2006 / 298 str.

Williamson Murray; Richard Hart Sinnreich

Opis

Exploring the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists, this volume illustrates the great importance of military history while simultaneously revealing the challenges of applying the past to the present. Essays from authors of diverse backgrounds--British and American, Civilian and Military--present an overwhelming argument for the necessity of the study of the past by today's military leaders in spite of these challenges. Part I examines the relationship between history and the military profession. Part II explores specific historical cases that reveal the repetitiveness of certain military problems.

Recenzje

"The Past as Prologue...attempts to demonstrate the importance of understanding history. In fact it doesn't simply attempt, it succeeds...The Past as Prologue is a must-read by senior military and a should-read by senior policy makers."
-Lt Claude Berube, U.S. Navy Reserve, Proceedings

Spis treści

1. Introduction Williamson Murray and Richard Hart Sinnreich; 2. Military history and the history of war Sir Michael Howard; Part I. History and the Military Profession: 3. The relevance of military history to the military profession: a British view John Kiszely; 4. The relevance of military history to the military profession: a US marine's view Paul Van Riper; 5. Awkward partners: military history and American military education Richard Hart Sinnreich; 6. Thoughts on military history and the profession of arms Williamson Murray; Part II. The Influences of History on the Military Profession: 7. Thucydides as educator Paul Rahe; 8. Clausewitz, history, and the future strategic world Colin Gray; 9. History and the nature of strategy John Gooch; 10. Military transformation in long periods of peace Andrew Gordon; 11. Military history and the pathology of lessons learned: the Russo-Japanese War Jonathan Bailey; 12. Obstacles to innovation and readiness: the British Army's experience, 1919–39; 13. What history suggests about terrorism and its future Christopher Harmon; 14. Civil-military relations and the future Frank Hoffman.