Another Century of War?

by Gabriel Kolko

Another Century of War? is a candid and critical look at America's "new wars" by a brilliant and provocative analyst of its old ones. Gabriel Kolko's masterly studies of conflict have redefined our views of modern warfare and its effects; in this urgent and timely treatise, he turns his attention to our current crisis and the dark future it portends. Another Century of War? insists that the roots of terrorism lie in America's own cynical policies in the Middle East and Afghanistan, a half-century of realpolitik justified by crusades for oil and against communism. The latter threat has disappeared, but America has become even more ambitious in its imperialist adventures and, as the recent crisis proves, even less secure. America, Kolko contends, reacts to the complexity of world affairs with its advanced technology and superior firepower, not with realistic political response and negotiation. He offers a critical and well-informed assessment of whether such a policy offers any hope of attaining greater security for America. Raising the same hard-hitting questions that made his Century of War a "crucial" ( Globe and Mail ) assessment of our age of conflict, Kolko asks whether the wars of the future will end differently from those in our past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, War

184 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

A historian specializing in 20th century Ameican politics and foreign policy, Gabriel Morris Kolko earned his BA in history from Kent State University in 1954, his MS from the University of Wisconsin in 1955, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1962. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania and at SUNY-Buffalo before joining the history department of York University in Toronto in 1970.

Reviews

[Carey Hanlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely an informative read. The first couple of chapters detailing US foreign policy and geopolitical strategy in the Middle East since the end of the Cold War had to be read twice, because Kolko's writing style made it difficult to follow, especially since he failed to properly and concisely set up his thesis in the beginning of the book, so I'm sticking with four stars for that reason, as well as the fact that differing points of view could have been provided for certain events that the reader is otherwise left to take Kolko's word for.

All in all though, the book was extremely interesting, and pretty successful in presenting the argument that America's Post-Cold War foreign policy has been wholly without reflection or wisdom. As the author puts it: "Since the end of the Second World War, the United States has reacted to events and crises as they occur and wherever they arise, without reflection or wisdom, and it has gone from one blunder to another. yet it has never been more confused or dangerous, both to itself and to the world, than at the present moment."

The book details how US interest in the Middle East originally spiked because of the threats to oil control produced by the decline of British hegemony that arose after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and also because of a desire to control and stop the spread of communism in areas neighboring the USSR. The bulk of the book details how the US's initial involvement in the Middle East became ridiculously complex, in large part because of its inability to see long-term consequences of its foreign policy, and its desire to maintain its status as a military leader and hegemon around the world.

The rise of Al-Queda, the Taliban, and other groups are largely either direct or indirect consequences either of the initial occupation of the Middle East, or of short-sited US policy in the middle East. The author makes it clear that he doesn't believe the situation can be won simply militaristically at this point; he makes the argument that military success doesn't equal political success, and suggests that military successes against US enemies can still lead to political failure, like the rise of more fundamentalist groups in their place, the delegitimization of the US in the eyes of its allies and the rest of the world, and the further destabilizing of the Middle East, ultimately leading to yet another cycle of conflict.

Kolko also points out that as a designation, "terrorist" is political. Groups receive terrorist designations do so almost exclusively because their interests rival US interests, or place them in direct conflict with the US. Saddam Hussein, the Taliban, and Al-Queda, among others, all have origins in US support and armament against old adversaries. The US's opponents today were "freedom fighters" and allies yesterday.

Books like this are important because they place "Islamic Extremism" in historical context, which is critical for any US leader to understand in order to avoid repeating history, as the US seems to be doing every decade or so at this point. It's the reason why Trump's boisterous, brash "Bomb ISIS!" strategy is so foolish and dangerous; bombing the so-called Islamic State might result in military success, but can hardly result in political success. The more that US foreign policy in the Middle East centers around military strategy at the expense of long-term, constructive policy, the more and more destabilized various areas will become, and the more and more difficult it will be to end the occupation of the Middle East.

Overall a lot of food for thought here and definitely worth the read!

[Hafiz Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book by Kolko which every American should read. It is well researched and very informative. The folly that almost every American government for the last 70 years has conducted itself in world affairs is shameful and disgusting. i feel the 20% of Americans who are in poverty and starving should start a revolution and do some radical changes for America to get into the right tract.

They have messed up in Vietnam, Korea, Middle East, Guatemala, Chile and every corner of the world spending Billions and killing millions. They have gone into places which were highly unnecessary to show their power and bogged themselves. In the words of Kolko ""America has power without wisdom
and cannot recognize the limits of arms despite its repeated experiences. September 11 confirmed that"". These are historical and golden words from the author.

His knowledge of the working of the Pentagon and other government agencies are excellent . He reminds me a lot of the God Noem Chomsky. Something radical has to happen to the USA immediately. Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the American empire as confirmed by Chomsky. In history all empires have fallen,

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follows post-2001 US foreign policy all the way back to the Truman Doctrine. Written in 2002, and Kolko has an "I've been telling you this is going to lead nowhere for years and you won't listen to me" attitude which can be enjoyable if you're receptive to it.

[SAAD SHAUKAT · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute pleasure to read and the way he has drawn various linkages between the American politics and thinking over the period of time is a treat to read.
The predications done hold true today and one can say that Another Century of War is a masterpiece.

[Jim Coughenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone interested in American foreign policy or military history would benefit from reading Gabriel Kolko. This slim study is a good place to start. I've slogged through Vietnam: Anatomy of a War, but I confess I didn't have the stamina to finish his Century of War – although it's a book I keep on my shelf rather than hauling off to the used book store. This book, published 5 years ago, is still relevant and only takes a weekend to digest.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regard Kolko as the best of modern historians. This little book says more to put the current conflicts in the context of historical hegemony, short-sighted opportunism, and the consquences of "realist" politics, than any other tome regardless of heft. Published in 2002, before the invasion and occupation of Iraq, it still offers a firm foundation for analysis of that and most likely any future conflict the US will engage in.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel Kolko not only criticizes--that's easy--but explains America's previous 70 years of foreign policy missteps. He defends that corruption, hubris, and attachment to an outdated doctrine of "credibility" lead the US again and again to military victories and strategic failures. Even as invasion of Afghanistan winds to a close, recent sabre-rattling with China, Russia, and Iran fit his theory too well.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobering.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last chapter should be carved in stone somewhere.

[Cyrus Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2002, it is prescient for our current situation.How cynicism can turn a country into one of fear-mongering and created enemies.