Review by Choice Review
Gray (Univ. of Reading, UK) places "revolutions in military affairs" (RMA) in historical perspective and, as a social scientist, makes systematic comparisons and advances overall conclusions. The information-technology RMA of today is compared with other cases throughout but, strangely enough, is not itself the object of a case study. Gray introduces the RMA concept, perhaps in excessive detail, in the first five chapters. He then identifies an RMA life cycle and applies it to three case studies (chapters 6-8), which are the most interesting part of the book. The systematic comparison of the Napoleonic RMA, the RMA of WW I, and the nuclear RMA yields interesting findings and sets the stage for a final chapter on conclusions (chapter 9). Gray validly emphasizes that RMAs are but part of strategy and should not be considered in isolation from this overall context. Inasmuch as strategy is rationally driven, it is misleading to claim that warfare and the role of RMAs are predominantly chaotic. Failure to appreciate these and other characteristics about RMAs has frequently led to overenthusiasm and neglect of the multifaceted demands of effective strategy. Although the book is important and well documented, it is not easy to read, save for the case study chapters, and is oriented toward professionals. M. A. Morris Clemson University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
