Like Jared Diamond in Guns; Germs; and Steel; Peter Turchin in War and Peace and War uses his expertise in evolutionary biology to make a highly original argument about the rise and fall of empires. Turchin argues that the key to the formation of an empire is a society’s capacity for collective action. He demonstrates that high levels of cooperation are found where people have to band together to fight off a common enemy; and that this kind of cooperation led to the formation of the Roman and Russian empires; and the United States. But as empires grow; the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; conflict replaces cooperation; and dissolution inevitably follows. Eloquently argued and rich with historical examples; War and Peace and War offers a bold new theory about the course of world history.
#542865 in Books 2008-10-07 2008-10-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .70 x 6.00l; .88 #File Name: 0451225589336 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent read of an untold part of the Battle of the BulgeBy Reviewer from TerraThe Battle of the Bulge is one of the greatest failures in US Army Command ever. The higher ups ignored the constant warnings of German build ups; ignored that the Germans were (did they forget World War 1?) resilient. And for that failure; thousands of brave men were killed; wounded and captured. This book highlights a little known chapter in that battle; how several units; under strength; under armed; but well led; stalled the Germans (who were sure that they would have rolled right over the Americans; obviously they forgot they got their butts kicked halfway across Europe; so a bit of a failure at that level as well) giving the 101st Airborne (really; again a failure on Command part; since they used their elite troops in ways they weren't supposed to have been used) the time to get to Bastonge and give the Germans a nasty surprise. The one thing that would have made this an even better book; would have been a postscript about what happened to the survivors. It kind of just ends. But still worth reading.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book with a different perspectiveBy jdThis is truly an exceptional book by an excellent historical writer. Not only does it give a very different and interesting perspective on a widely researched battle but it also gives insight into crucial battlefield management and decision making at the infantry level . When you read this ask yourself what would you do in the situations that these young men were thrust into? I sent copies to several friends.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Alamo in the ArdennesBy John KochAlamo in the Ardennes by John C. McManus is a well written account of the extra ordinary bravery of the men who fought the Battle of the Bulge. His account begins with the events just prior to the battle. He then covers the gallant stand of the 110th infantry 28th Division within the Bastogne corridor. Out numbered by 8-10 to 1 these brave men delayed the German onslaught while at times being completely surrounded in the villages and towns east of Bastogne. There actions delayed the Germans enough to allow the 101st Airborne and Patton's armor to reach Bastogne. This is a very detailed account of a very complex series of events that is written so that one can picture the events unfolding and follow the progression of the battle. Drawn from many first hand accounts and extensive research this book will provide you with a vivid description of the events of those fateful days. Most accounts cover mainly the contribution of the 101st Airborne to the defense of Bastogne. This book covers the less well known contribution of the 28th division and as such is a must have book for those individuals interested in this subject.
