American military intervention in unconventional war from the Philippines to Iraq - Bert, Wayne (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)
"This book is a study of the major US military interventions in unconventional war, four occurring while the US was a superpower in the post-war WW II period, and one in the Philippines in 1898. It critiques the case for intervention on the most vital grounds, security, and the effectiveness of implementation of the intervention. An introductory section analyzes recent changes in the international system, and a summary of U.S. strategy, response, and policy, provide a framework for analysis. The detailed case studies allow a cost-benefit evaluation of the advisability and success of historical US interventions in the type of war the US is most likely to encounter in the future. The outcomes of past decisions to intervene are, on balance, not encouraging"-- Provided by publisher. -- "When should the United States intervene abroad militarily? When does it have a security interest in going into another country, even if it means fighting an unconventional war? Examining five case studies, this book concludes Americans have been too eager to intervene abroad, often exaggerating and misperceiving threats. They have also been ill prepared to fight unconventional wars like Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The United States requires more discrimination in choosing to intervene, more awareness that the costs of intervention often outweigh the benefits, and more preparedness to fight unconventional wars when necessary"-- Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index