This is an introductory guide to strategy in the modern world. Military strategy can be understood as the process by which armed force is converted into intended political effects. As such; it constitutes one of the most important activities of the past two centuries. Nevertheless; strategy is an activity that remains little understood; and one that has rarely realized the hopes that have so frequently been invested in it. This book seeks to explain why this is the case through an engagement with strategic theory in the context of its historical and contemporary practice. Stone begins with three basic questions: What is strategy? How does strategy work? Why is strategy so difficult? He then goes on to argue that to be truly effective strategy must faithfully reflect the political context in which it is formulated. Using case studies from the eighteenth century to the present day; Stone presents a theoretical framework around which historical and contemporary events can be explored and studied.
#532955 in Books 2015-10-27 2015-10-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.40 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1439191220480 pages
Review
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. "Go get me 'Bird'"...By Jill MeyerBetty Boyd Caroli's biography of Lady Bird Johnson; "Lady Bird and Lyndon: The Hidden Story of a Marriage That Made a President"; is a well-written look at one of the most famous and yet; curious; political marriages in US history. Claudia Alta Taylor - known throughout her life as "Lady Bird" - was a calm; smart southern lady who hitched herself to a rising political star when she married Lyndon Baines Johnson. She literally devoted her life to the care and feeding of Johnson - who called her "Bird"; often times to the detriment of raising two daughters. Like many couples devoted to each other; the daughters knew who came first in their parents' lives and affections.Reading Caroli's book and noting the emotional ups-and-downs that seemed to afflict Lyndon Johnson his whole life; it's not difficult to speculate on his deep need for a wife to keep him in balance; particularly in the eyes of the world. And "Bird" did just that for her husband. She followed behind him; cleaning up his messes; and in some cases taking the blame for problems. Was Lady Bird Johnson an enabler for her husband? Sure seemed like it; but then so are many women married to "difficult" men. "Bird" acknowledged her husband's attractions to other women; seemingly unconcerned about the affairs he conducted; some quite openly. But she was always sure he needed her and would stay with her. (But there were a couple of "other" women...)Betty Caroli's book touches on all the parts of Lady Bird's life; from her childhood loss of her mother and her idealisation of her father; a larger-than-life figure. He was replaced by Lyndon - maybe that was a bit of LBJ's initial attraction to Lady Bird - and continues through her education at UT; marriage to Johnson; the raising of their two daughters; and her financial management. But it is in noting Lady Bird's political life - both "behind" Lyndon as he built his political career; and then as First Lady - that Caroli's biography shines. Her book is an excellent look at a political life and a political marriage and all the tact and smarts it takes to succeed at both.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A marriage not exactly made in HeavenBy GallaThis was a sad story in many ways. I realize that in the past intelligent and ambitious women often had to find their way to success by marrying. That seems to be one reason why Claudia Taylor finally succumbed to Lyndon Johnson. He was attractive then; he was ambitious; and he was her way out of Texas into another world. But; Lordy; what a deal she struck. He was also a spoiled; coarse bully; and probably bipolar to boot (judging from hindsight). She stuck with him despite the humiliations; the very public adulteries; the constant ego massaging he needed; the requirement to put him above and beyond the needs of her daughters; the continuous placating of friends and allies he bullied. When he was in the depths of depression; she seemed to be the only one who could reach him. And despite her loyalty; her nonstop attention to him; Lady Bird seemed to be afraid in 1959-60 he might divorce her for a younger woman. It is obvious that Caroli despised LBJ and there are not many positive things she has to say about him except his achievements as President before the quagmire of Vietnam brought about the end of his political career. After his death Lady Bird had almost forty years to carve out another life for herself; a life full of friends; family and achievement. I always admired her and after reading this particular version of her partnersip with LBJ; I admire her even more for her unending patience and service; but I do wish she could have clouted him a few times. This was a fascinating book. What is frightening to think about is the fact that from November 22; 1963; until August 1974; the U.S. was governed by two men who definitely were not psychologically healthy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Complicated Circumstances That Shaped An Emotionally Resilient First LadyBy Stella CarrierThis kindlebook of Lady Bird and Lyndon: The Hidden Story of a Marriage That Made a President by Betty Boyd Caroli covers among some of the following details of Lady Bird Johnson’s life; how she got the nickname Lady Bird; Lady Bird Johnson’s father supposedly had a womanizing reputation and one of the children named Sugar was rumored to be one of love children of her (Lady Bird’s)father T.J. with a woman outside of his marriage; Lady Bird Johnson’s mother unexpectedly died young in her 40’s and under mysterious circumstances; being raised by an aunt after her mother’s death etc.
