Military-Civilian Interactions - Softcover

Weiss, Thomas G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0847687465 ISBN 13: 9780847687466

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1999

Synopsis

One of the most important dynamics of the postDCold War period consists of simultaneously downsizing the armed forces and assigning them new roles. As a result, military-civilian humanitarianism_the coming together of military forces and civilian agencies to deal with the human suffering from complex emergencies_is on the rise, despite recent setbacks in Somalia and Bosnia. Is it possible and worthwhile to use the military in conjunction with humanitarian action to thwart violence and mitigate civilian suffering? This timely book seeks to answer this question by looking at the contemporary context and history of military-civilian interactions, developing a framework for assessing military costs and civilian benefits, and examining in depth the five most prominent cases_Northern Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Haiti. It further suggests how multilateral military operations could expand or contract in the future to the benefit or peril of war victims.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas G. Weiss is distinguished professor of political science at the Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York.

Review

This book adds real flesh to the bones of comparative analysis of humanitarian-military response. (MacFarlane, S Neil)

The author’s technique of analyzing five major interventions using a parallel framework is quite effective and will make the book useful in classes that emphasize the systematic analysis of political situations. It could well become a classic. (Philip Schrodt)

Well-written, interesting, and timely. . . . This well-researched book includes an excellent bibliography and a helpful glossary, maps, and tables. It could serve as a valuable text in undergraduate and graduate national security and foreign policy classes and deserves a spot in university and professional libraries. (Choice)

It is difficult to imagine anyone being more rigorous or consistent . . . The case studies are well covered and there is plenty of wisdom in the excellent concluding chapter. . . . in a debate which will keep academics and policy makers alike busy for many years, he has laid the foundations on which others may build. (Commodore Tim Laurence, Royal Navy Royal United Services Institute For Defense Studies)

An ambitious and well-meaning book. Provides a wealth of data and will be very valuable for refence and as a guide to source material. (International Affairs)

Only a very courageous author would lead the first reconnaissance patrol into this murky and booby-trapped territory. That is what Thomas Weiss has done in this book. His work provides a very useful starting point from which governments and others can begin to devise better ways to meet humanitarian emergencies in the future. (Brian Urquhart)

This valuable book is a sober analysis by a well-regarded scholar with wide UN experience, and a former director of the International Peace Academy. (International Journal On World Peace)

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0847687465
• ISBN 13: 9780847687466
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304