The Use of Force: Military Power and International Politics

by Bruce J. Allyn (Contributor), James G. Blight (Contributor), McGeorge Bundy (Contributor)

The sixth edition of this classic text retains the best from earlier editions and adds thirteen new selections that highlight twenty-first century challenges, including terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Strategies for using force, together with case studies that illustrate the general principles, are hallmarks of the text. New case studies include Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Asia. An entirely new section devoted to 'coping with terrorism' looks at the issue from a variety of geographical and philosophical viewpoints. Praise for previous editions: 'The Use of Force continues to offer a most stimulating blend of contemporary and traditional perspectives on international relations, very valuable for students new to the subject, but essential also for the experienced researcher trying to maintain his or her bearings. The contributions are chosen for their readability and their timelessness. The perspective is always realistic, in the best sense of the term.' _George Quester, University of Maryland 'A very useful compendium of articles on critical questions of military force in world politics.' _Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Harvard University 'A very useful and balanced collection that covers many facets of the problem, logically organized by two of the most sensible scholars in the field.' _Richard K. Betts, The Brookings Institution 'This book is indispensable for courses that deal with security issues.'—Robert C. Gray, Franklin & Marshall College 'Written by some of today's most well-known and established academics and foreign policy strategists. . . . This book will make an excellent addition to the professional library of any Marine leader concerned with how the Corps can most effectively structure itself to remain a leading instrument in the implementation of American foreign policy.'—Marine Corps Gazette

Genres: Politics, International Relations, Political Science, Nonfiction, History, War

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Ilian Bambekov · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about politics that just does not seem to catch every person's eyes. However, if you are interested in understanding how the balances of international politics is altered through the use of military force, this book is just for you. The book itself brings together influential and enduring works on the state of military power in foreign relations. So go ahead and grab a hold of it and let your brain run free in a world where power, negotiation, and strong diplomatic relations are your greatest allies and understand contemporary threats to our infrastructure as well as the complexity of our political corruption.
Art and Waltz interpretation on the use of force in international politics is developed extremely well. The book goes heavily in-depth when they describe the specific events that have occurred in the past and caused an uprising. In the authors' points of view, Art and Waltz believe that our diplomatic relationships with our "allies" are not strong enough, and there is a specific reason to that.
The book mainly focuses on the threats from other nations as well as our intended reply to them as opposed to how we have used our military force to secure our political domination. Everyone in our world is affected by the amount of corruption in our government and we have no idea why. If you would like to find out, read this book and you will be able to understand why we attack foreign countries and why we must find a way to secure our prosperity.
Ultimately, I recommend this book to anyone interested in Military procedures as well as International Politics. I highly enjoyed Art and Waltz's phenomenal point on how we should treat our current stand on politics.

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 7th edition which has a similar cover but doesn't seem to be listed on the site.

A couple off the wall ideas are presented in the book, thankfully the next chapter follows with a counterpoint to provide much needed balance

[Lorenzo Carrieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short essays by accomplished scholars on the utilization of coercive means and their fungibility to the attainment of specific goals in the realm of international relations. A must read

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great topics and good choice of articles, but many are out of date and irrelevant considering recent national security events.
Read it with a grain of salt.

[David Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good place to start discussion!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful essays in here by prominent authors on IR and power.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of college curriculum.