The Pursuit of Victory

In Western Europe and North America the idea that war can deliberately be used as an `instrument of policy' has become unfashionable, not least because of the carnage of two World Wars and the Americans' humiliating experience in Vietnam. But wars are still fought. Those who start wars clearly believe they are worthwhile. Why? In this original and provocative study, Brian Bond discusses the successes and failures of military and political leaders in their pursuit of victory over the last two centuries.

Reviews of the hardback:

"In his impressive book, . . . Professor Brian Bond takes us from Napoleon to the Gulf War to demonstrate his thesis that military ability alone may win battles but not wars. . . . Bond brilliantly analyses the impact of . . . technological developments on past theories." Milton Shulman, Financial Times

"a thoughtful and thought-provoking book. . . . all students of war are in debt to him for having produced it." Michael Carver, The Sunday Times