Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine

Command is the history of our time, reconstructing and revolutionizing military command since the Second World War by nuclear warfare, small-scale guerrilla land operations, and cyber interference. It takes a global perspective, investigating its practice and politics since 1945 through a wide range of conflicts, highlighting the political nature of strategy and the need for commanders to navigate politics as well as warfare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Since the Second World War, military command has undergone a significant reconstruction and revolutionization, driven by nuclear warfare, small-scale guerrilla land operations, and cyber interference. In his comprehensive book, Command: The History of Our Time, author David Freedman takes a global perspective, systematically examining the practice and politics of military command since 1945 across a diverse range of conflicts, including the French Colonial Wars, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Easter Offensive of 1972 in North Vietnam, the Falklands War, the Iraq War, and Russia's wars in Chechnya and Ukraine. By emphasizing the political nature of strategy, Freedman demonstrates that military decision-making cannot be divorced from civilian priorities and that commanders must possess the ability to navigate both politics and warfare effectively.

This transformation has been particularly evident in the context of modern warfare, where the lines between civilian and military operations have become increasingly blurred. Freedman argues that the rise of non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations and insurgencies, has further complicated the dynamics of military command, as commanders must now contend with a range of complex political and social factors in addition to traditional military considerations.

One of the key themes of Command is the role of leadership in military command. Freedman explores the qualities and characteristics that make for effective military leaders, including decision-making ability, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate subordinates. He also examines the challenges that leaders face in modern warfare, such as the need to balance military objectives with humanitarian concerns and the ethical dilemmas that arise in situations of conflict.

Another important aspect of Command is the impact of technology on military command. Freedman discusses the increasing use of precision weapons, surveillance technology, and cyber warfare in modern conflicts, as well as the challenges that these technologies present for military commanders. He also explores the ethical implications of using these technologies, particularly in situations where they may be used to target civilians or violate human rights.

In conclusion, Command: The History of Our Time is a valuable contribution to the study of military command and strategy. By taking a global perspective and examining the interplay between politics and military operations since 1945, Freedman provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities that military leaders face in modern warfare. His book offers valuable insights into the role of leadership, technology, and ethics in military command and will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and military professionals alike.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141993515