History, law, and strategy.
Paul Hirst has an engaging review of Philip Bobbitt’s recent book, Shield of Achilles. (*) The strength of the book is its combining of the author’s critical views on history, law, and strategy. Bobbitt’s argument is a sharp rebuke to the liberal internationalist presumption that war is preventable. If his argument is sound, the nation-state system is due for systemic change for the first time in centuries.
Perhaps we are cursed to live in interesting times, but Bobbitt’s book promises to be a sure guide to the construction of a secure and just future.
November 27th, 2002 at 21:18
I am reading it right now. Pretty interesting stuff.
I’m going to post on it when I finish, but it is a long slow read. Not boring, at all, just slow.
November 27th, 2002 at 21:21
I would also suggest you read Paul Kennedy’s review in The New York Review of Books. http://www.nybooks.com/articles/article-preview?article_id=15803
November 27th, 2002 at 22:12
Thanks! I’ll check it out.
It is very slow going, but it’s worth it so far. I’m just getting started.
One thing I like is the history. I didn’t know the evidence was so strong that Germany started WW1, for example.
December 4th, 2002 at 12:07
As I get further and further along in the book, it becomes more and more compelling. But you are right, it is a slow read. Lots of interesting and thought provoking ideas; things that make you go, "hmmm."