The diffusion of military power : causes and consequences for international politics / Michael C. Horowitz.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Horowitz, Michael, 1978-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Military art and science--Technological innovations--History.

Military art and science.

Military art and science--Technological innovations--Political aspects.

Military art and science--Technological innovations--Economic aspects.

Balance of power.

International relations.

Military policy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (286 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The Diffusion of Military Power examines how the financial and organizational challenges of adopting new methods of fighting wars can influence the international balance of power. Michael Horowitz argues that a state or actor wishing to adopt a military innovation must possess both the financial resources to buy or build the technology and the internal organizational capacity to accommodate any necessary changes in recruiting, training, or operations. How countries react to new innovations--and to other actors that do or don't adopt them--has profound implications for the global order and the likelihood of war. Horowitz looks at some of the most important military innovations throughout history, including the advent of the all-big-gun steel battleship, the development of aircraft carriers and nuclear weapons, and the use of suicide terror by nonstate actors. He shows how expensive innovations can favor wealthier, more powerful countries, but also how those same states often stumble when facing organizationally complicated innovations. Innovations requiring major upheavals in doctrine and organization can disadvantage the wealthiest states due to their bureaucratic inflexibility and weight the balance of power toward smaller and more nimble actors, making conflict more likely. This book provides vital insights into military innovations and their impact on U.S. foreign policy, warfare, and the distribution of power in the international system.

Contents:

Front matter

CONTENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS

Preface

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. A Theory of the Diffusion of Military Power

Chapter 3. Carrier Warfare

Chapter 4. The Nuclear Revolution

Chapter 5. Battlefleet Warfare

Chapter 6. Suicide Terrorism

Chapter 7. Conclusion

Appendix 1 Suicide Terrorism Group Linkages

Appendix 2. Nuclear Diffusion Survival Model

Bibliography

INDEX

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9786612639470

9781282639478

1282639471

9781400835102

1400835100

9780691143958

0691143951

OCLC:

649913964