I was hoping for updated Clausewitz. This is a cursory overview of modern American strategy (or attempts at strategy). It is well-written, but lacking in any new insights. If you have been paying attention for the last few decades, you'll know what's in this book.
Another book written by an academic because of 'Publish or Perish", I fear. ( )

This is a book of previously published essays on military strategy and how defense strategies, policy, and decisions to use the military are made. The author is a professor at the National Defense University and a retired Army Colonel of Infantry. While he writes clearly, such serious topics are not for all readers. He has served on the staff of the National Security Council and is concerned about its role and organization. Perhaps his most important thrust is to argue for a larger Army in place of more super-expensive planes and ships for the Air Force and Navy. His accounts of the decision to invade Grenada and the debacle in Somalia are of interest to all who take foreign affairs seriously, but much of his writing is aimed at military professionals. ( )

R. D. Hooker, Jr.'s book "Beyond vom Kriege" is a slow read. Not because it is boring or because it is dense, or for other extraneous reasons. It is a slow read because it prods one to do some careful and rather deep thinking, especially if the reader is old enough to have lived through some of the circumstances that Hooker uses to illustrate his thesis. Do you remember the action in Granada? The disaster that was Somalia? If so, you will be given much to think about based on Hooker's analysis. On the other hand, von Clausewitz's book "Vom Kriege" is a slog at best, whether in the original German or in translation. But Hooker sprinkles von Clausewitz throughout his work and indicates the relevance or irrelvance of his pronouncements as they relate to modern warfare and statecraft. What is most revealing is the decision making process in security matters in the highly political and divisive environment that exists today. Based on the insights gained in Hooker's book, sausage making does not look so bad after all. Some chapters are somewhat dated and ho-hum, but many of the chapters are insighful and instructive as to how our government works. Slow as it might be, the read is well worth it. ( )

Note: I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program.

I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in understanding international relations, US history, and of course, military strategy. This is not some dry, dusty tome that only bespectacled historians can enjoy, as Hooker uses a very engaging writing style that makes even some of the more outwardly droll concepts (for example breaking down the civilian-military relationship and the role of the military in national politics) quite entertaining.

Hooker begins by approaching US grand strategy at a very high level, giving the reader a solid foundation, before delving deeper into key aspects of the broader strategy (e.g. maritime, air power, land power). While this is a book that should be mandatory for certain sectors (State Department, the Armed Forces, and any politician worth their salt), it is also highly consumable for someone with little knowledge of military strategy. And honestly, the aforementioned civilian-military section could almost be considered required reading for high school civics classes.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the book for me are the case studies Hooker contemplates, including US engagement in Grenada and Somalia (with which I was largely unfamiliar). He applies the criteria he outlines early in the book to evaluate these engagements, giving the reader concrete examples to contemplate when considering US involvement in future engagements. For example, he asks the question of whether or not Grenada truly was a crisis, comparing it to other similar events in the LATAM region.

All told, this book will be one I revisit frequently as the US continues to navigate the difficult waters of 21st century geopolitics. ( )

Beyond Vom Kriege: The Character and Conduct of Modern War by R. D. Hooker Jr. takes a look at modern warfare since the unfinished theories of Clausewitz. We can see in this book how it has changed, is still changing, and what we must learn from past success and mistakes. Mr. Hooker brilliantly sews together his experience on the battlefield, as well as off, and with his academics accomplishments brings a keen observation of why, and how, we should be fighting in these modern times.
Each of these separate essays are brilliantly researched and very professionally written, from a view of a solider, statesman, and academic who stays true to facts and destroys myths which come when the military becomes politicized as it is today. I’ve learned a lot here and any of my preconceived notions shattered, which is always good and something I always appreciate when one is using facts brought forth by an expert. The book was not completely an easy read, the essays are not dumb-ed down, but are written in a way to engage you and get you thinking. ( )