NEW PRINCIPLES OF WAR

◗ Marvin Pokrant

◗ Potomac Books (2021)

◗ £21.50

◗ 347 pages (hardback)

◗ ISBN:9781640122222

◗ casematepublishers.co.uk

This thought-provoking book (subtitled: Enduring Truths with Timeless Examples) compares current principles of war across many of the major nations and identifies which are common and enduring. It examines those principles through examples from history opening with Picket’s charge at Gettysburg where it notes how the charge complied with all current principles. This is inspired because it provides the evidence that perhaps there is something wrong with those principles. It examines this idea through examples from wars ancient and modern, notes where these fail and proposes new principles.

The book identifies and defines enduring principles as those that do not need frequent revision and are not dependent on technology which is why historical examples are still relevant. The use of historical examples follows the same path as Mahan, Clausewitz and Jomini and is logical when considering enduring principles. Fascinating stuff and something that can be applied to wargaming and developing wargames scenarios for those so inclined.

This is a book designed for today’s militaries and academics and underlies and informs military planning. It aids the understanding of military history and permits a reappraisal of events. It is strongly recommended for all readers especially those currently serving.