New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Jeremy Black, "Histories of War" (Pen & Sword Military, 2024)

Aug 4, 2024

Jeremy Black, an esteemed author and historian specializing in military history, delves into the multifaceted narratives of warfare. He critiques traditional military theories for oversimplifying historical contexts, urging a more nuanced view. Black highlights the fine line between geopolitics and rhetoric in understanding past conflicts. He examines pivotal World War I and II strategies, discussing their relevance and misguidance for modern military leaders. His insights illuminate the need to rethink military history’s place in academia and its broader cultural implications.

36:03

Episode guests

Jeremy Black

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Quick takeaways

Understanding military history requires recognizing the contextual factors that shape warfare, reflecting diverse social and political conditions.

A comprehensive perspective on war must include civil conflicts and internal strife, highlighting their crucial role in societal dynamics.

Deep dives

The Contextual Nature of War

Understanding the history of war requires an appreciation of its contextual nature, as battles and conflicts arise from specific social, political, and geographical conditions. Military theorists often overlook these complexities by writing about war as a singular, abstract concept rather than addressing how the particular contexts affect outcomes. For example, differing military strategies in regions like Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine demonstrate how the same concept of war can manifest differently depending on local factors. Acknowledging these variations allows for a more comprehensive understanding of military history and its implications.

Intro

2min

Rethinking Military History

12min

Precision and Rhetoric in Geopolitics and War

2min

Examining the Pessimism of Military Strategy Through History

3min

Strategic Offensives of World War I and II

5min

Rethinking Military History in a Modern Context

8min

A global account of histories of war, from Antiquity to the present day, Histories of War (Pen & Sword Military, 2024) shows how the varied modes of representation record political, cultural and social developments as well as military events. Covers all forms of discussion and commemoration from statuary to scholarship, films to novels. Important not only to those interested in the history of war but also to those concerned with culture and history in general.

This erudite volume on the theory and practice of military history will interest a wide readership including both professional historians of war and those concerned with its broader philosophical dimension. The author - a well established authority in European history - has provided an informed, rigorous analysis of a difficult topic. It will delight those who seek enlightenment of the historian's craft, military or otherwise.

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