'I can think of no other single volume on war that I would rather place in the hands of a university student at the outset of their studies. Henceforth, this companion will represent the standard by which all texts for the teaching and study of modern warfare will be judged.’ R. Gerald Hughes, Aberystwyth University, UK 'Given that our understanding of what constitutes contemporary war is so bitterly contested, this book could not be more timely. Crucially, too, it is not content simply to provide a survey of the field, but seeks to provoke debate with essays that go beyond the standard approaches to the subject and that embrace unusual topics and innovative interpretations.' Hew Strachan, University of Oxford, UK 'An essential tool for both the student and practitioner of modern warfare across its full spectrum. It does not pretend to give all the answers but it certainly asks the right questions. One copy please on every staff college student's bedside table - like a Gideon Bible.' Crispin Black MBE MPhil, Falklands veteran and Associate Fellow of Chatham House 'This volume consists of 25 interesting, well-written essays by experts in military affairs, mostly British. The opening section reviews the classic and recent literature on air, land, and sea warfare, and is particularly well done...Recommended.' Choice 'The text provides much food for thought. It is salutary to be reminded, for instance, that had the Third World War broken out, the Soviet Union had every expectation of winning it. ... The staff college student might be more concerned with what lessons history can teach about the present day. On this topic, as on others, many valuable (if often depressing) insights will be found. ... a collection which will be relevant not only to soldiers and politicians, but also to the electors to whom (in democratic countries at least) they are ultimately responsible.' Reference Reviews
