Military Misfortunes: The Anatomy of Failure in War Reissue Edition

by Eliot A. Cohen (Author)

23 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0743280822

ISBN-10: 0743280822

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WHY DO COMPETENT ARMIES FAIL? Why did the American-led coalition in Iraq fail to wage a classic counter-insurgency campaign for so long after the fall of Baghdad? Why was the sophisticated Israeli intelligence service so thoroughly surprised by the onslaught of combined Arab armies during the Yom Kippur War of 1973? How did a dozen German U-boats manage to humiliate the U.S. Navy for nine months in 1942 - sinking an average of 650,000 tons of shipping monthly? What made the 1915 British-led invasion of Gallipoli one of the bloodiest catastrophes of the First World War? Since it was first published in 1990, Military Misfortunes has become the classic analysis of the unexpected catastrophes that befall competent militaries. Now with a new Afterword discussing America's missteps in Iraq, Somalia, and the War on Terror, Eliot A. Cohen and John Gooch's gripping battlefield narratives and groundbreaking explanations of the hidden factors that undermine armies are brought thoroughly up to date. As recent events prove, Military Misfortunes will be required reading for as long as armies go to war.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The general reader will find this a fascinating and informative book; those responsible for their nations' security will find in it lessons they will ignore at their own peril."

-- Major General (Res.) Aharon Yariv, former director, Israeli Military Intelligence

"Cohen and Gooch have done their job well. They have mastered their sources, used considerable imagination...the book is well-written and sound in judgment."

-- Caspar Weinberger, The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Eliot A. Cohen is Robert E. Osgood Professor of Strategic Studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University and founding director of the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies. From 2007 to 2009 he was Counselor of the Department of State, serving as Secretary Condoleezza Rice's senior advisor on strategic issues.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Free Press; Reissue edition (January 5, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743280822
ISBN-13: 978-0743280822
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Customer Reviews: 22 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #929 in Deals in Books
- #501 in Military Strategy History (Books)
- #395 in Military History (Books)

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Customer reviews

22 customer reviews

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F. J. Stone

A systematic approach for the study of military failure

December 24, 2019

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

When the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, the success or failure of its generals and their armies is often the determining factor. Why are some successful and others not? Cohen and Gooch analyze several 20th Century campaigns, offer insights on the causes of failure, and close with recommendations for consideration by leaders to avoid misfortune.

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Cliff Clive

Multidimentional Relevance

September 17, 2006

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

While this book deals with military failures, the paralels to running a business or a family are rich and rewarding. One example: The story of the US failure in Korea, and how certain branches of the armed forces prevailed but other failed was fascinating ... we tend to think of events as successes or failures, but really they are combinations of successes and failures -- studying in a granular, detailed way illuminates both and allows one to succeed overall by cutting failing tactics and replacing them with successful ones. Many other rich paralels here too.

5 people found this helpful

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James

Review: Military Misfortunes

July 31, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Very well researched. I am involved in Military History Staff Rides and his argument for evaluation of not just decisions by commanders in war, but also the military system and doctrine in which this person grew up, is true. I intend to incorporate this aspect in the assessment of students in future.

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Anthony J. Andrea

Good for the specialist

February 3, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Very good book in explaining in some detail using a specific model why specific military campaigns or battles went wrong.

Would suit a specialist reader rather than a general interest one.

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Amazon Customer

Not My Cup of Tea

December 30, 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

A bit too dry and technical for me. To an avid student of military history it is probably a must read. Definitely not a "Shattered Sword."

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E. Hendrickson

Excellent Source on How to Look at Military History

April 9, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Cohen provides an unorthodox, yet highly effective way to look at military history, which lends itself to studying why organizations or systems in general can fail. Excellent book.

One person found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Five Stars

June 21, 2018

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

good read

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Yolanda G

Five Stars

September 24, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Thank you

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Military Misfortunes: The Anatomy of Failure in War Reissue Edition