Playing the Great Game: Britain, War and Politics in Afghanistan Since 1839

by Edmund James Yorke

In the early 1970s, Edmund Yorke first began researching the "Great Game" in Central Asia, focusing on Britain’s diplomatic and military involvement in Afghanistan from the 1800s to the 1840s. Over the past four decades he has extended this work to include the two subsequent Anglo-Afghan wars, culminating in the current prolonged NATO-led coalition war in Afghanistan. Playing the Great Game explores and analyzes the tension between the British political and military authorities that has been generated by the impact of all these wars. It argues that excessive political interference in the conduct of such wars, which is often resource-driven, has been the predominate cause of the many difficulties encountered by Britain in its involvement in this remote and intractable country. With the help of previously unpublished source material, including maps and photographs, this book sheds new light on this fascinating and complex subject. It also includes a revisionist interpretation of all the key campaigns and battles that highlights the crucial role played in the conflict by Afghan collaborators.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting look at a period of history I'm unfamiliar with. Very balanced: the British author wasn't at all afraid to criticise British actions. Showed the complexities of different tribes, ideologies, and economic policies at work in Afghanistan. Quite a lot of typos in the book which could be a bit distracting at times. Actually over 400 pages, rather than what is listed here.