Vicarious Warfare by Thomas Waldman
America has been at war for most of the 20th and 21st centuries and during that time has progressively moved towards a vicarious form of warfare, where key tasks are delegated to proxies, the military's exposure to danger is limited, and special forces and covert instruments are on the increase. Important strategic decisions are taken with minimal scrutiny or public engagement. This compelling account charts the historical emergence of this distinctive tradition of war and explains the factors driving its contemporary prominence. It contrasts the tactical advantages of vicarious warfare with its hidden costs and potential to cause significant strategic harm.
“A timely examination of whether contemporary approaches to warfare challenge democratic oversight, moral responsibility and international norms…Vicarious Warfare promises a readily accessible read for security strategists and policy analysts alike, introducing a powerful idea to military and political discourse” Australian Army Research Centre
“…fascinating work... An important addition to current strategic and policy decision making that has flow-on effects to Australia through our alliance partnership.” Sabretache
“This book should be mandatory reading in the U.S. War College. Also, all those (including Congress) that are ultimately responsible for defending the country and sending troops into harm’s way should read to drive discussions on the major topics presented. Highly recommended.” DODreads
“…fascinating work... An important addition to current strategic and policy decision making that has flow-on effects to Australia through our alliance partnership.” Sabretache
“This book should be mandatory reading in the U.S. War College. Also, all those (including Congress) that are ultimately responsible for defending the country and sending troops into harm’s way should read to drive discussions on the major topics presented. Highly recommended.” DODreads
Thomas Waldman is a Senior Lecturer in International Security Studies at Macquarie University, Sydney. He is author of War, Clausewitz and the Trinity (2013) and numerous journal articles on strategy, contemporary warfare and international security.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781529206999 |
| ISBN 10 | 1529206995 |
| Title | Vicarious Warfare |
| Author | Thomas Waldman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Bristol University Press |
| Year published | 2021-01-06 |
| Number of pages | 320 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |