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Book Review: A Search for Strategy: British–American Military Collaboration in 1942
William Phillips
Author: John F. Shortal
Reviewed by: Reviewed by Colonel William Phillips, US Army retired, assistant professor, Department of Joint, Interagency, and Multinational Operations, Command and General Staff College
John F. Shortal’s book explores the relationship between Britain and the United States as they worked together to develop strategy during World War II. He introduces key players of strategy development, as well as how priorities the different countries brought to the table affected outcomes of specific battles and the war as a whole. The reviewer sees this book as more than a record of history, but also a provider of relevant lessons for strategic leaders.
©2025 William Phillips
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Book Review: The Retreat from Strategy: Britain’s Dangerous Confusion of Interests with Values
James D. Scudieri
Authors: David Richards and Julian Lindley-French
Reviewed by: Dr. James D. Scudieri, senior research historian, US Army Heritage and Education Center, US Army War College
The Retreat from Strategy offers a detailed insight into the history of British strategy since the end of the Cold War. The authors dissect the issues they see in British strategy and offer specific solutions to the problems. The reviewer sees this as a timely read for US security professionals.
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Book Review: Defining the Mission: The Development of US Strategic Military Intelligence up to the Cold War
Thomas W. Spahr
Author: Scott A. Moseman
Reviewed by: Dr. Thomas W. Spahr, Francis W. De Serio Chair of Strategic and Theater Intelligence, US Army War College
From a modest four-man office in 1882 to a sprawling intelligence network by the 1940s, Scott A. Moseman traces the evolution of US strategic military intelligence through war, politics, and institutional transformation. Focusing on the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Military Intelligence Division, he reveals how competing visions from military leaders, government officials, and the public shaped the mission and identity of American intelligence agencies. This richly detailed history uncovers the roots of modern intelligence and its deep entanglement with the rise of American power.
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Book Review: Generals and Admirals, Criminals and Crooks: Dishonorable Leadership in the U.S. Military
Josh VanBuskirk
Author: Jeffrey J. Matthews
Reviewed by: Lieutenant Colonel Josh VanBuskirk, instructor, Defense Strategy Foundation Course, Department of Distance Education, US Army War College
In this provocative and meticulously researched book, Jeffrey J. Matthews exposes the dark underbelly of US military leadership through a century of scandals—from war crimes and insubordination to corruption and abuse. Through gripping case studies, Matthews reveals how personal failings, and institutional blind spots have repeatedly undermined the integrity of America’s flag officers. A sobering exploration of power and accountability, the book challenges readers to rethink what ethical leadership truly demands in times of crisis.
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