Vicarious Warfare

American Strategy and the Illusion of War on the Cheap

Thomas Waldman

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Hardback

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English

Bristol University Press
15 March 2021

International relations; Theory of warfare & military science; War & defence operations

"A powerful analytical framework for conceptualising America's preferred way of war today, through a '3D' model of delegation, danger-proofing and darkness.

America has been at war for most of the twentieth and twenty-first 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.

'For anyone concerned with the human cost of war (as we all should be), Waldman offers a key to unlocking the 'alchemy' of America's fighting strategy. This richly researched and thoughtful book finally gives us words to describe the troubling path we're on. Vicarious war indeed.' — Sarah Holewinski, Washington Director, Human Rights Watch

'An urgently needed study of the rise of fighting in the shadows, from proxies to special forces. More than that, it throws light on a dangerous tendency in public life, whereby decisions for conflict are removed from the glare of republican scrutiny and armed conflict itself, left unchecked, becomes routine.' — Patrick Porter, Professor of International Security and Strategy, University of Birmingham

'Vicarious warfare — aspiring to be ""la guerre zéro morts"", war with minimal cost and commitment on our side — is the West's preferred option. This trenchant and original analysis shows the advantages, but also the huge potential moral and long-term political cost of high-tech military engagements with maximum detachment. A very important study rethinking war."" Beatrice Heuser, Professor of International Relations, University of Glasgow

'Waldman is an astute and knowledgeable guide to the emerging landscape of vicarious warfare. He unpacks the causes, conduct and consequences of the increasing American strategic desire to embrace conflict yet evade cost. This superb book convincingly demonstrates how such arms-length interventions are not merely the product of 21st century technological developments but rooted in an historical evolution of the American military tradition. It is essential reading for those who want to understand the implications of the rise of war-at-a-distance.' — Andrew Mumford, Professor of War Studies, University of Nottingham"

By: Thomas Waldman
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529206999
ISBN 10: 1529206995
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 15 March 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

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.

Reviews for Vicarious Warfare: American Strategy and the Illusion of War on the Cheap

"""An original synthesis, a critical and coherent analysis of its many facets, and thoughtful assessments and reflections on their practical, political, and moral hazards. Should be required reading for students of war, policy makers, and military professionals. Highly recommended"" Choice ""Waldman's research is extensive and exhaustive, and his analysis of broad historical evidence is logical and convincing."" Military Review ""...fascinating work... An important addition to current strategic and policy decision making that has flow-on effects to Australia through our alliance partnership."" Sabretache ""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 ""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"