Defending the Realm? is an essential read for anyone interested in the military history of Britain, particularly the complex dynamics of small wars. This groundbreaking book, published by Manchester University Press, delves into the intricate tactical and operational elements that characterize Britain's small wars throughout history. Famous for its empire and counter-insurgency efforts, Britain has navigated numerous conflicts in regions such as Palestine, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Aden, Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The author carefully examines how strategic and political considerations shaped military actions in these tumultuous periods, arguing that the military was often constrained in its use of force. This comprehensive analysis offers a revisionist perspective, rich in archival sources and oral testimonies, illuminating the profound implications of Britain's military engagements in a post-imperial context. Ideal for historians, military professionals, and enthusiasts alike, Defending the Realm? provides invaluable insights into the decline of British power and its ramifications on national and military strategies since 1945. Perfect for students and scholars, this book is now available in paperback, ensuring easy access to critical perspectives on counter-insurgency and its historical context. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780719096594. Year: 2015. Publisher: Manchester University Press.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780719096594
Year: 2015
Publisher: Manchester University Press


Description:


Britain is often revered for its extensive experience of waging 'small wars'. Its long imperial history is littered with high profile counter-insurgency campaigns, thus marking it out as the world's most seasoned practitioner of this type of warfare. This is the first book to detail the tactical and operational dynamics of Britain's small wars, arguing that the military's use of force was more heavily constrained by wider strategic and political considerations than previously admitted. Outlining the civil-military strategy followed by the British in Palestine, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Aden, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, Defending the realm?, available for the first time in paperback, argues that Britain's small wars since 1945 were fought against the backdrop of an irrevocable decline in British power. Written from a theoretically-informed perspective, grounded in rich archival sources, oral testimonies and a revisionist reading of the literature on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, this is the definitive account of the politics of Britain's small wars. -- .