The Savage Wars of Peace

In 'The Savage Wars of Peace,' Max Boot explores the United States' unconventional engagements in conflicts around the globe, challenging the notion of peacekeeping as merely a benign endeavor. Through vivid historical narratives, Boot reveals the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by American forces in a myriad of postcolonial situations. From the Philippines to Iraq, the book vividly illustrates the chaotic intersection of war and peace. As Boot's narrative unfolds, a question looms: Can true peace ever be achieved through military intervention? This provocative examination urges readers to reconsider the often-violent path to stability in a turbulent world.

By Max Boot

Published: 2014

"In the unending conflict between ideals and reality, the savage wars of peace remind us that the struggle for liberty often demands more than mere words—it requires action, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to a better future."

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While the major conflicts in American history have become all too familiar, America’s “small wars” have played an essential but little-appreciated role in the country’s growth as a world power. First published in 2002, The Savage Wars of Peace quickly became a key volume in the case for a new policy of interventionism. Max Boot shows how America’s smaller actions—such as the recent conflicts in Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti, Kosovo, and Afghanistan—have made up the vast majority of our military engagements, and yet our armed forces do little to prepare for these “low intensity conflicts.” A compellingly readable history of the forgotten wars that helped promote America’s rise in the last two centuries, The Savage Wars of Peace is now updated with new material on the repercussions of America’s far-flung imperial actions and the impact of these ventures in American international affairs.

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About the Author

M

Max Boot

Max Boot is a distinguished military historian and foreign policy analyst, known for his insightful commentary and extensive knowledge of international affairs. He is the author of several notable works, including "The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam" and "Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present." Boot's writing style is characterized by meticulous research and a compelling narrative, making complex historical and political issues accessible to a broad audience. His contributions to major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Affairs reflect his expertise and influence in contemporary debates on military strategy and foreign policy.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Max Boot
Published
March 2014
Publisher
Basic Books (AZ)
ISBN
0465064930
Language
English
Pages
498
Genres
Social Justice MovementsPolitical HistoryInternational RelationsPolitics and Current Affairs

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In the unending conflict between ideals and reality, the savage wars of peace remind us that the struggle for liberty often demands more than mere words—it requires action, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to a better future.

The Savage Wars of Peace

By Max Boot

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