Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam
Language: English
Published by The University of Chicago Press, 2005
- Softcover
- Used

Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.Reliant Bookstore
AbeBooks seller since June 30, 2021
Condition: Used - Very good
US$ 4.90
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
This book is in excellent condition. There may be minimal writing on the inside cover or cover page. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer.
Seller Inventory # RDV.0226567702.VG
- Title
- Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam
- Author
- John A. Nagl
- Publisher
- The University of Chicago Press
- Publication year
- 2005
- Condition
- very_good
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0226567702
- ISBN 13
- 9780226567709
Invariably, armies are accused of preparing to fight the previous war. In Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife, Lieutenant Colonel John A. Nagl—a veteran of both Operation Desert Storm and the current conflict in Iraq—considers the now-crucial question of how armies adapt to changing circumstances during the course of conflicts for which they are initially unprepared. Through the use of archival sources and interviews with participants in both engagements, Nagl compares the development of counterinsurgency doctrine and practice in the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960 with what developed in the Vietnam War from 1950 to 1975.
In examining these two events, Nagl argues that organizational culture is key to the ability to learn from unanticipated conditions, a variable which explains why the British army successfully conducted counterinsurgency in Malaya but why the American army failed to do so in Vietnam, treating the war instead as a conventional conflict. Nagl concludes that the British army, because of its role as a colonial police force and the organizational characteristics created by its history and national culture, was better able to quickly learn and apply the lessons of counterinsurgency during the course of the Malayan Emergency.
With a new preface reflecting on the author's combat experience in Iraq, Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife is a timely examination of the lessons of previous counterinsurgency campaigns that will be hailed by both military leaders and interested civilians.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Reliant Bookstore
El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since June 30, 2021
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 2 to 5 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 0.00 | US$ 10.99 |
Payment methods
Store description
Reliant Bookstore is a brick and mortar and also online bookstore located in Kansas. We pride ourselves in quality customer service and hope you find all of our listings up to your expectations!
Specialty
All typesSeller's business information
Reliant Distribution Group, LLC
114 N. Vine St.
El Dorado, KS U.S.A. 67042
Terms of sale
By purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”). Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service.
By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site.
You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws).
We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made.