Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

These nine essays offer valuable analysis of U.S. military strategy during the Reagan years. The authors, defense specialists often connected with prominent liberal think tanks, describe the administration's policy of ``low-intensity conflict'' (or LIC), pursued in such trouble spots as Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Afghanistan. Developed after our defeat in Vietnam, LIC doctrine postulates using limited force in concert with economic and diplomatic pressure to achieve victory. A logical follow-up to John Gaddis's Strategies of Containment ( LJ 1/1/82), this book will command attention. Kenneth F. Kister, Pinellas Park P.L., Fla. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Klare, an expert on US military policy, and Kornbluh, an analyst at a private Washington research institute, launch a low-intensity attack on US pro- and counterinsurgency actions and policies, particularly in El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Afghanistan. They argue that US low-intensity warfare (LIW) doctrine is wrong because it is designed either to support favored governments as they resist revolutionary forces, or to aid insurgents against governments the US does not like. Contributors include C. Maechling Jr., who recaps earlier US counterinsurgency efforts; S. Goose, who examines warriors and weapons in LIW; D. Siegel and J. Hackel, who analyze counterinsurgency in El Salvador; W. Bello, who looks at LIW in the Philippines; S. Harrison, who writes about Soviet and US roles in Afghanistan; and R. Barnet, who examines the costs and perils of intervention. Klare contributes a chapter on US LIW military doctrine, and Kornbluh, one on ``proinsurgency'' warfare in Nicaragua. The book's moderately polemical tone does not mar what is otherwise a well-done and sensible set of essays. Useful and interesting for all levels.-V.T. LeVine, Washington University

Booklist Review

A collection of studies of American asssistance during the 1980s to anti-Communist governments or movements, including the Nicaraguan contras and the Afghan guerrillas. The authors share a common antipathy to the Reagan administration's foreign policy and tend to view covert aid, arms, or advisers as ways of subverting the ``No More Vietnams'' mandate of the American people and Congress. In spite of this bias, the essays are authoritative and present a useful body of facts otherwise difficult to find in one place. A valuable if not definitive study of a significant aspect of American foreign and defense policy. Chapter notes; to include bibliography and index. RG. 355'.0335 U.S.-Military policy / Low-intensity conflicts (Military science) / World politics-1985-1995 [OCLC] 87-43008

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Michael T. Klare is Director of the Five College Program in Peace & World Security Studies in Amherst, Mass., & author of numerous books on the changing nature of warfare, including "Low-Intensity Warfare", "Word Security", & "Rogue States" & "Nuclear Outlaws". He lives in Northhampton, Massachusetts.

(Bowker Author Biography)