Synopsis
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 study, Brian Bond discusses the successes and failures of military and political leaders in their pursuit of victory over the last two centuries.
Professor Bond argues that in order to be counted victorious, a leader has to progress beyond military triumph to preserve the political control needed to secure an advantageous and enduring peace settlement. Napoleon was a brilliant general, but failed as a statesman. Bismarck, on the other hand, was a success in skillfully exploiting Moltlike's victories on the battlefield to create a unified Germany. In the First World War, Germany and her allies were defeated but at such great cost that confidence in the idea that war could be controlled, and the pursuit of victory made rational, received a terrible shock. Germany and Japan exploited their military opportunities between 1939 and 1942, but lack of political control and moderation brought them catastrophic defeat. After 1945, nuclear weapons and the increased complexity of international relations blurred the identity of "victors" and "losers" and seemed to make the idea of a "decisive" victory almost unthinkable. But this study warns against the assumption that war as an instrument of policy has now been completely discarded. The Falklands and Gulf conflicts show that aggressors are still prepared to risk war for tangible goals, and that their opponents are quite capable of responding successfully to such challenges.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Professor of Military History at King's College, London, Brian Bond is the editor of The First World War and British Military History, (1991, OUP) and a contributor to The Oxford Illustrated History of The British Army, (1994)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Clarendon Press (edition ), 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Paperback
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. It's a preowned item in good condition and includes all the pages. It may have some general signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlighting, slight damage to the cover, minimal wear to the binding, etc., but they will not affect the overall reading experience. Seller Inventory # 0198207352-11-1
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0198207352I3N00
Stock Image
The Pursuit Of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002260878
Buy Used
US$ 10.51
US$ 7.60 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Softcover
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780198207351. Seller Inventory # 9748561
Buy Used
US$ 3.50
US$ 18.18 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Softcover
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780198207351. Seller Inventory # 9653750
Buy Used
US$ 4.63
US$ 18.18 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Softcover
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Fair. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780198207351. Seller Inventory # 9853013
Buy Used
US$ 4.64
US$ 18.18 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_446385117
Stock Image
The Pursuit of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Seller: The Bookseller, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Good. A little reading wear. Owner signature on fly leaf. Pencil MARKINGS in text. Otherwise a square, tight book. Index. ix, 240 pp. Seller Inventory # 043678
Buy Used
US$ 17.37
US$ 17.99 shipping
Ships from Canada to U.S.A.
Ships from Canada to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
The Pursuit Of Victory: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Soft cover
Seller: Emily Green Books, North Shields, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Photos included in listing. About the book: 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 study, Brian Bond discusses the successes and failures of military and political leaders in their pursuit of victory over the last two centuries. Professor Bond argues that in order to be counted victorious, a leader has to progress beyond military triumph to preserve the political control needed to secure an advantageous and enduring peace settlement. Napoleon was a brilliant general, but failed as a statesman. Bismarck, on the other hand, was a success in skillfully exploiting Moltlike's victories on the battlefield to create a unified Germany. In the First World War, Germany and her allies were defeated but at such great cost that confidence in the idea that war could be controlled, and the pursuit of victory made rational, received a terrible shock. Germany and Japan exploited their military opportunities between 1939 and 1942, but lack of political control and moderation brought them catastrophic defeat. After 1945, nuclear weapons and the increased complexity of international relations blurred the identity of "victors" and "losers" and seemed to make the idea of a "decisive" victory almost unthinkable. But this study warns against the assumption that war as an instrument of policy has now been completely discarded. The Falklands and Gulf conflicts show that aggressors are still prepared to risk war for tangible goals, and that their opponents are quite capable of responding successfully to such challenges. Seller Inventory # 1269
Buy Used
US$ 8.38
US$ 27.13 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
THE PURSUIT OF VICTORY: From Napoleon to Saddam Hussein
Published by
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998
ISBN 10: 0198207352
ISBN 13: 9780198207351
Used
Paperback
Seller: Kubik Fine Books Ltd., ABAA, Dayton, OH, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. 240p. A new, unread softcover book. Seller Inventory # 201741