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Military Misfortunes

296 pages, 1990

economics & politics

economics & politics

987 books
history

history

999 books
Takeaways
Description

How do armies fail? Why did the American-led coalition in Iraq fail to wage a classic counter-insurgency campaign for so long after the fall of Baghdad? What made the 1915 British-led invasion of Gallipoli one of the bloodiest catastrophes of the First World War? Since it was first published in 1990, Military Misfortunes has become the classic analysis of the unexpected catastrophes that befall competent militaries. 

Now with a new Afterword discussing America's missteps in Iraq, Somalia, and the War on Terror, Eliot A. Cohen and John Gooch's gripping battlefield narratives and groundbreaking explanations of the hidden factors that undermine armies are brought up to date.

Understanding the Causes of Military Failure

In Military Misfortunes, Eliot A. Cohen explores the reasons behind military failures. He argues that these are often not due to individual mistakes, but systemic issues. This book will make you see military history from a new perspective.

The Importance of Communication

Cohen emphasizes the crucial role of communication in military operations. He shows how miscommunication or lack of communication can lead to disastrous outcomes. If you're interested in military strategy, you'll find this aspect fascinating.

The Role of Leadership

Leadership is another key theme in Military Misfortunes. Cohen argues that effective leadership can make or break a military operation. He provides numerous examples to back up his point, making it a must-read for anyone interested in leadership studies.

The Impact of Technological Changes

Cohen also looks into how technological changes can impact military operations. He shows that failure to adapt to new technologies can lead to defeat. This book will make you think about the importance of staying up-to-date with technological advancements.

The Power of Learning from Mistakes

One of the most important takeaways from Military Misfortunes is the importance of learning from mistakes. Cohen shows that military organizations that learn from their failures are more likely to succeed in the future. This lesson can be applied to many areas of life, not just the military.

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authorStewart Brand

Stewart Brand

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