Military Realism

Peter Campbell advances a unique argument centering on military realism to explain the complex evolution of Army doctrinal thinking from 1960 to 2008. He demonstrates that decision makers, while vowing in the wake of Vietnam to avoid counterinsurgent missions, nonetheless found themselves adapting to the geopolitical realities of preparing for and fighting so called “low intensity” conflicts, particularly in the twenty-first century. In essence, he demonstrates that pragmatism has won out over dogmatism. At a time when American policymakers remain similarly conflicted about future defense strategies, Campbell's work will undoubtedly shape and guide this debate.