Leaving the Fight: Surrender, Prisoners of War, and Detainees in Western Warfare

Surrender in warfare has had a significant impact on governments, states, and nations, leading to the capture of powerful commanders, the mistreatment and murder of prisoners of war, and the mistreatment of civilians detained by military forces. John A. Lynn II's book Leaving the Fight explores the evolution of surrender from the Middle Ages to the present day, covering different forms of surrender and the fates of prisoners of war and civilians.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 30 June 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Surrender in warfare has had a profound impact on the fate of governments, states, and nations throughout history. It has reduced powerful commanders to powerless captives, inflicted submission, degradation, and even death on common soldiers held as prisoners of war, and has also led to civilian detainees being grossly mistreated and murdered. However, surrender, prisoners of war, and detainees have rarely been addressed as general phenomena in warfare. Leaving the Fight: An Essential History of the Evolution of Surrender from the Middle Ages to the Present Day by John A. Lynn II explores the different forms taken by surrender, from the abject capitulation of armies and states to the withdrawal of forces from military interventions deemed to be unwinnable, such as in Vietnam and Afghanistan. He also considers the fates of prisoners of war and civilians detained by military forces from harsh treatment intended to intimidate foes to attempts to win over hearts and minds.

Surrender in warfare has been a significant factor in determining the fate of governments, states, and nations throughout history. It has resulted in the capture of powerful commanders, the submission of common soldiers, and the mistreatment and murder of civilian detainees. However, surrender, prisoners of war, and detainees have often been overlooked as general phenomena in warfare. Leaving the Fight: An Essential History of the Evolution of Surrender from the Middle Ages to the Present Day by John A. Lynn II aims to address this gap by exploring the different forms taken by surrender, from the abject capitulation of armies and states to the withdrawal of forces from military interventions deemed to be unwinnable, such as in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Lynn also considers the fates of prisoners of war and civilians detained by military forces, from harsh treatment intended to intimidate foes to attempts to win over hearts and minds.

One of the key themes of Leaving the Fight is the changing nature of surrender over time. Lynn argues that surrender has evolved from a simple act of capitulation to a more complex and nuanced phenomenon that is influenced by a range of factors, including military strategy, political considerations, and cultural norms. In the Middle Ages, surrender was often seen as a sign of weakness and was rarely practiced. However, as warfare became more complex and deadly, surrender became a more common practice.

One of the most significant changes in the nature of surrender occurred during the Napoleonic Wars. During this period, surrender was often used as a strategic tool to gain an advantage over the enemy. For example, Napoleon Bonaparte used surrender to force the surrender of the Austrian army at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. This victory was a major turning point in the Napoleonic Wars and helped to establish Napoleon as a dominant figure in European politics.

However, surrender also had its negative consequences. During the Napoleonic Wars, many soldiers were captured and subjected to harsh treatment. This included forced labor, torture, and execution. Many soldiers died as a result of these conditions, and their families were left destitute. This led to a growing sense of resentment towards surrender and the military in general.

In response to these negative consequences, the Geneva Convention was established in 1864. The Geneva Convention set out a set of rules and regulations that were designed to protect prisoners of war and civilians detained by military forces. These rules included the right to humane treatment, the right to a fair trial, and the right to be released from captivity.

Despite the Geneva Convention, surrender continued to be a significant issue in warfare. In the 20th century, surrender was used as a strategic tool by both sides in the Cold War. For example, the Soviet Union used surrender to force the surrender of the German army at the Battle of Berlin in 1945. This victory was a major turning point in the Cold War and helped to establish the Soviet Union as a dominant figure in European politics.

However, surrender also had its negative consequences in the Cold War. Many soldiers were captured and subjected to harsh treatment, including forced labor, torture, and execution. Many soldiers died as a result of these conditions, and their families were left destitute. This led to a growing sense of resentment towards surrender and the military in general.

In response to these negative consequences, the United Nations established the International Criminal Court in 1998. The International Criminal Court is designed to prosecute individuals who commit war crimes, including surrender. The International Criminal Court has been successful in prosecuting individuals who commit war crimes, including surrender, and has helped to establish a culture of accountability for those who commit these crimes.

Despite these efforts, surrender continues to be a significant issue in warfare. In recent years, there have been a number of conflicts that have resulted in the capture of large numbers of prisoners of war and civilians. These conflicts include the Syrian Civil War, the War in Afghanistan, and the War in Iraq. In these conflicts, surrender has been used as a strategic tool by both sides to gain an advantage over the enemy.

One of the challenges that have faced the International Criminal Court in prosecuting individuals who commit surrender is the lack of evidence. Many prisoners of war and civilians are held in secret locations, and it can be difficult to obtain evidence of their treatment. This has led to a number of cases where individuals have been acquitted of war crimes despite evidence of their involvement in surrender.

In addition to the lack of evidence, there are also cultural and political factors that can influence the decision to surrender. For example, some cultures may view surrender as a sign of weakness, and individuals may be reluctant to surrender even if it is in their best interests. This can lead to a situation where individuals are held in captivity for long periods of time, even if they are not guilty of any crimes.

To address these challenges, the International Criminal Court has been working to improve its procedures and to increase its capacity to prosecute individuals who commit surrender. The International Criminal Court has also been working to promote a culture of accountability for those who commit war crimes, including surrender.

In conclusion, surrender in warfare has had a profound impact on the fate of governments, states, and nations throughout history. It has reduced powerful commanders to powerless captives, inflicted submission, degradation, and even death on common soldiers held as prisoners of war, and has also led to civilian detainees being grossly mistreated and murdered. However, surrender, prisoners of war, and detainees have rarely been addressed as general phenomena in warfare. Leaving the Fight: An Essential History of the Evolution of Surrender from the Middle Ages to the Present Day by John A. Lynn II explores the different forms taken by surrender, from the abject capitulation of armies and states to the withdrawal of forces from military interventions deemed to be unwinnable, and considers the fates of prisoners of war and civilians detained by military forces. By addressing these challenges, the International Criminal Court can help to promote a culture of accountability for those who commit war crimes, including surrender.

ISBN-13: 9781107020511