Savage Peace: Americans at War in the 1990s [Hardcover]

Daniel P. Bolger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

This provocative study addresses the strengths and limitations of American military power as armed conflict becomes even more common in this supposed era of world peace. Through his examination of the history of America's armed interventions along with the political and military context of today's missions, the author reveals the hard realities facing the world's policeman. Photos. Maps.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This thought-provoking analysis focuses on what Bolger considers the three most important "peace enforcement" missions since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, each illustrating major aspects of this difficult form of warfare: the operations in Kurdistan, Somalia and the former Yugoslavia. At the end of the Gulf War, U.S. forces entered northern Iraq to protect the Kurds from the regime of Saddam Hussein; Bolger cites this operation as an example of the way such missions should be run. Somalia illustrates U.S. foreign policy at its worst because of policymakers who "should have known better." Bolger argues that in the former Yugoslavia, U.S. airstrikes and humanitarian airlifts have served American interests even though the overall effort has been ineffective. Bolger (Americans at War) is a battalion commander in the U.S. Army. Photos.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Bolger covers the major U.S. peacekeeping efforts--officially called OOTW ("operations other than war" )--since the early 1980s excellently. These have included successes such as aiding the Kurds after the Persian Gulf War and patrolling the Sinai, failures such as in Lebanon and Somalia, and efforts during which it became apparent that the most prudent course for the U.S. was to keep its distance, as in the former Yugoslavia. Both scholar and professional soldier, Bolger provides some of the best and most perceptive accounts of these frequently bloody, usually misunderstood actions, and he argues forcefully that OOTW are not susceptible to the classic American solution of substituting high-tech hardware for the low-tech infantryman who will not always return from keeping the peace in foreign lands. He makes a valuable contribution to contemporary history and the ongoing debate about post^-cold war military force levels and foreign policy. Roland Green

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press; 1st edition (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891414525
• ISBN-13: 978-0891414520
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #498,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent continuation of Violent Peace, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Savage Peace: Americans at War in the 1990s (Hardcover)

Having read Violent Peace, Savage Peace thankfully delved into the post-Cold War world and how we use or should use US troops as peacekeepers. I particularly enjoyed Bolger's treatment of the Sinai and he quite correctly emphasizes that this is a mission that has worked and justifiably so. Bolger deftly mixes narration with bold truths, especially about Amb. Hunt. In is itself I hope Americans can see after reading Savage Peace how deeply ingrained shortsighted selfish isolationism is in the American psyche. The only shortfall of this book is the lack of history of NEOs (non-combatant evacuation) and their applicability in our world. Even at the time the book was written there was much he could have used on this still vital subject. We've seen NEOs and embassy evacuations in Sierra Leone, Uganda, Siagon, Liberia, Somalia and others it has always (see China 1920's-30's) and will be a joint military mission as well as something that must be coordinated at the highest civilian/political level. I don't think I can overstate the vital role the US military plays here. As "State" magazine (publication of the US State Dept.) once wrote (I paraphrase) The true power of the United States does not rest on the number of guns afloat or in the air, or the soldier's behind it, but in her ability to protect her citizens abroad when they are in need.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Savage Peace: Americans at War in the 1990s, November 3, 2003

By 

Grizzzz, 437th MAW, SOLL II (1982-1985) (Hamptonville, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Savage Peace: Americans at War in the 1990s (Hardcover)

I disagree with the former re-viewer in that this analysis theory HAS always applied to the here and now. Bolger clearly shows this through case study repeatedly, even without being insubordinate nor being tact-less towards anyone, regardless of rank. The old "He who forgets history is condemned to repeat it!" applies. I can re-call enough history that Bolger revealed through fore-shadowing that kept me interested. If he is retired, then it is our loss. Bolger should be General rank and no less; I would be proud to serve under him and I hope he still can serve our country well.Bolger would serve greatly in Iraq, for he surely shows his knowledge in this book.