The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons [Hardcover]

Gary Hart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2006

Gary Hart has long been one of the nation's foremost experts on national security, combining a deep knowledge of national security policy with first-hand experience of the political realities that influence how America safeguards itself and its interests. In his new book, Hart outlines, in clear, simple prose, the fundamental changes with which America must grapple when confronting a terrorist threat that has no state and no geographic homebase and thus offers no genuine target for the world's largest and most sophisticated military force. Hart argues for a security of the commons, emphasizing that the new security will require a shield for the homeland as well as a cloak of non-military security, including security of income, community, environment, and energy.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former Senator Hart argues in this treatise the future of national security that 9/11 was an "opportunity to redefine America's role in the world," but one the U.S. is misusing "by waging preemptive warfare in the Middle East and thus possibly increasing the threat." Hart proposes the military abandon traditional notions of warfare ("Fast fighters, giant carriers, monster tanks, big missiles") in favor of increasing the number of special forces units that can be deployed quickly and quietly against insurgents whose organization is akin to "cancerous cells." Hart would have the National Guard, no longer required as an invasion and occupation force, recast as a "homeland security shield." This is an accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism.
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Review

"... an accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism." --Publishers Weekly

"A public intellectual of the first rank." --Des Moines Register

"The Shield and the Cloak is about big ideas--and a reminder that they matter. Gary Hart was one of those rare politicians who believed deeply in ideas and ran for office on them. Looking ahead to this November and beyond to 2008, as both Democrats and Republicans try to articulate their policies for the post-Bush world, experts and common citizens alike would be well served to read this book closely and heed Hart's core message and his example."--The Washington Monthly

"A comprehensive, clear-eyed polemic on how this nation--along with the rest of the world, not in spite of it--should provide security for its people. He makes a concise, articulate argument, minus the shrillness of much of today's discourse, that he believes it is imperative that we provide that security and that the manner in which the current crop of powers-that-be are going about it is wrongheaded."--The Denver Post

"Hart brings excellent credentials to the subject of security policy. This book's value lies in its stylistic clarity and conceptual breadth, qualities that make it a likely contender in forthcoming political debate. Hart's recommendations nicely balance the notion of security as an aggregate of domestic policies with specific recommendations to strengthen military, diplomatic, and intelligence capabilities. This book is likely to get serious attention. Recommended for all public and academic libraries."--Library Journal

"With the new threats of this new century, a fresh approach to security is needed. In this book, Gary Hart provides one. Our great task is to understand the complexities of today's global chessboard and build a commonwealth for security that focuses on more than unilateral military action. Hart's book is crisp, well-informed, readable, and persuasive. All who care about the security of our nation, or our kids' nation, should read it."--Walter Isaacson, President & CEO, The Aspen Institute

"No one seriously interested in the full spectrum of national security thinking can afford to miss this book. Hart saw the changing security environment before 9-11, and has thought as much about it since as anyone in the country. This book is his unique contribution."--Charles G. Boyd, General USAF (RET), Executive Director, U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century

"Three decades of intense study of America's national security are reflected in this thoughtful volume. Hart has always been an original thinker and his rejection of the dogmas of the past is both provocative and insightful. His proposals for a new view of security for our nation will hopefully garner the attention of those who are responsible for America's security."--Warren B. Rudman, U.S. Senator from N.H. (Rep.)

"With The Shield and the Cloak, Gary Hart extends his decades-long record as a source of sensible and stimulating ideas about American security. The clich� that 'everything has changed' for the United States, now that its Cold War enemy has vanished and new threats have appeared, usually goes no farther than that slogan. But Gary Hart once again clarifies what a better strategy would look like, and how the United States could put it into effect."--James Fallows, National Correspondent, The Atlantic

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 194 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First Printing edition (February 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195306163
• ISBN-13: 978-0195306163
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,303,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, March 30, 2006

By 

Wellington (Wellington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons (Hardcover)

No Democrat or non-Democrat comes close to understanding the 21st Century paridagm shift in protecting our national security better than Hart. He warned us of impending terrorist attacks prior to 9/11 and our leadership ignored him. We cannot ignore his brilliant three-dimensional strategy, if we expect to win the war against terrorists and other dangers looming on the horizon.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars how to be secure, March 3, 2006

By 

Walter G. Fitzsimons - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons (Hardcover)

Things have come a long way since Senator Hart's presidiential candidacy. The book seems to be a sensible read on our national security dilemma.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thinking outside the box, December 13, 2006

By 

Stratiotes Doxha Theon "2 Thes 2:15" (Richmond, Missouri) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons (Hardcover)

Senator Hart has gained a reputation for thinking outside the box. But, thinking outside the box really comes down to simply challenging unproven assumptions with common sense, and Sen Hart does just that in this little book. His writing is to the point, clear, and concise. It is sad that only a handful of military thinkers grasp the importance that comes with the common-sense assertion that it is people who fight wars and not weapons systems. Without that common-sense understanding of the "big picture," no one will find the answers to our dilemma - not even bi-partisan Iraqi war study groups. Sen Hart provides some real solid answers but, unfortunately, few of the right people seem to be listening. Like Cassandra of Troy, Sen Hart seems cursed to speaking truth to a city that prefers lies.