Book Cover
Book
Author Desch, Michael C. (Michael Charles), 1960-

Title Power and military effectiveness : the fallacy of democratic triumphalism / Michael C. Desch
Published Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008

Copies

Location Call no. Vol. Availability
 W'PONDS  355.02 Des/Pam  AVAILABLE
Description x, 232 pages : illustrations, plans ; 24 cm
Contents Democracy and victory : why democracy is not a liability -- Democracy and victory : why regime type hardly matters -- Democracy and the Russo-Polish War -- Democracy and Israel's military effectiveness -- Democracy and Britain's victory in the Falklands War -- Conclusions : If not democracy, then what?
Summary "Since 1815 democratic states have emerged victorious from most wars, leading many scholars to conclude that democracies are better equipped to triumph in armed conflict with autocratic and other non-representative governments" "Political scientist Michael C. Desch argues that the evidence and logic of the supposition, which he terms "democratic triumphalism," are as flawed as the arguments for the long-held belief that democracies are inherently disadvantaged in international relations. Through comprehensive statistical analysis, a thorough review of two millennia of international relations and thought, and in-depth case-studies of modern-era military conflict, Desch finds that the problems that persist in prosecuting wars - from building up and maintaining support to holding up and the military and foreign policy elites in check - remain constant regardless of any given form of government."
"Power and Military Effectiveness is an instructive reassessment of the increasingly popular belief that military success is one of democracy's many virtues. International relations scholars, policy makers, and military minds will be well served by its lessons."--BOOK JACKET
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages [185]-225) and index
Subject Strategy.
Democracy.
War.
Military readiness.
SUBJECT United States -- Military policy. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85140379
LC no. 2007031884
ISBN 9780801888014 alkaline paper
0801888018 alkaline paper
9780801860591 alkaline paper
9780801866395 paperback alkaline paper
0801860598 alkaline paper
0801866391 paperback alkaline paper