Defending the realm? The politics of Britain's small wars since 1945

Counterinsurgency campaigns are too often analysed in the context of competing tactical approaches. Aaron Edwards focuses on the strategy and civil-military relations of post-World War II British counterinsurgency, making Defending the realm? an important and timely contribution to current debates on the challenges and costs of counterinsurgency. Douglas Porch, Distinguished Professor of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California -- Douglas Porch. A tour de force of modern British counterinsurgency, spanning over eight major campaigns since 1945 - Dr Aaron Edwards deserves congratulation for such meticulous research into each of these politically unique episodes. He has drawn on much material previously unpublished in his analysis of Britain's imperial decline and his focus on the political dimension rather than the military actualities of each campaign is refreshing. In all, Dr Edwards has provided an invaluable account of the differences between each and every British counterinsurgency campaign since 1945, explaining why they differed rather than attempting to develop yet another paradigm in counterinsurgency. Col. David Benest, Former CO, 2 Para and former counter-insurgency advisor to the British Ambassador in Afghanistan -- Col. David Benest. Aaron Edwards subjects Britain's experience of warfare against irregular enemies in 'small wars' since 1945 to the thorough strategic examination that it needs. While Defending the realm? tells the stories of eight 'small wars' in convincing detail, it does so very much with appropriate help from the guiding light provided by a firm grasp of the theory of strategy. Edwards' work is outstanding in its achievement of a successful marriage between history and strategic studies. He uses Clausewitz pervasively, though not intrusively or slavishly, as he insists on analysing the British strategic experience in its full political context. This is an exceptional book that must register as a major contribution to our understanding. Professor Colin S. Gray, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Reading -- Professor Colin S. Gray.