Modern War: A Very Short Introduction

Modern War: A Very Short Introduction examines warfare from the early 20th century through today's conflicts. The book analyzes key military developments, strategic thinking, and technological changes that have shaped modern combat. The text covers major wars and military engagements across different regions and time periods, exploring how warfare has evolved. English presents case studies of specific conflicts while drawing connections between historical patterns and contemporary military challenges. Political, economic, and social factors receive consideration alongside tactical and operational aspects of modern warfare. The work examines relationships between military power, state authority, and changing international dynamics through periods of global upheaval. This concise volume connects modern warfare to broader questions about human nature, technological progress, and the future of armed conflict. The intersection of traditional military concerns with emerging threats forms a central focus of the analysis.

Readers describe this book as a concise academic overview that covers major concepts in modern warfare from 1945 onward. Multiple reviewers noted its focus on terrorism, insurgency, and technological changes in warfare. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex military concepts - Strong coverage of psychological and cultural aspects of war - Effective use of real-world examples - Balanced perspective on controversial topics Dislikes: - Some found the academic writing style dry - Several readers wanted more detail on specific conflicts - A few noted redundant examples and repetitive points - Limited coverage of cyber warfare and autonomous weapons Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) "Provides a solid foundation but stays too surface-level" - Goodreads reviewer "The terrorism chapters are particularly insightful" - Amazon reviewer "Could have included more on emerging technologies" - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 Author Richard English is a renowned expert on terrorism and political violence, serving as Director of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen's University Belfast. 🔹 The book examines how modern warfare has evolved from the American Civil War through to 21st-century conflicts, including the rise of cyber warfare and autonomous weapons systems. 🔹 Despite advances in military technology, the book reveals that about 90% of casualties in modern conflicts are civilians, compared to only 10% in World War I. 🔹 The author argues that the nature of modern war is deeply influenced by nationalism, which emerged as a dominant force in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and continues to shape conflicts today. 🔹 The book discusses how the distinction between wartime and peacetime has become increasingly blurred in modern warfare, with ongoing low-intensity conflicts and terrorism creating a state of "permanent war" in some regions.