Winning at War
Author | : Christian P. Potholm |
Publisher | : Rowman & Littlefield |
Total Pages | : 302 |
Release | : 2010 |
ISBN-10 | : 1442201304 |
ISBN-13 | : 9781442201309 |
Rating | : 4/5 (04 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: What are the independent variables that determine success in war? Drawing on 40 years of studying and teaching war, political scientist Christian P. Potholm presents a 'template of Mars, ' seven variables that have served as predictors of military success over time and across cultures. In Winning at War, Potholm explains these variables--technology, sustained ruthlessness, discipline, receptivity to innovation, protection of military capital from civilians and rulers, will, and the belief that there will always be another war--and provides case studies of their implementation, from ancient battles to today.