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Highly acclaimed military strategist and writer Ralph Peters challenges America's defense establishment and national leadership with startling insights and no-holds-barred criticism. His radical assessment of the future of conflict and the kinds of enemies we will face has already excited international controversy and influenced policy. Peters identifies a 'new warrior class' and a new culture of conflict that could undo America on the battlefields of the future, as seen in the events of September 11, 2001. He broadly reinterprets the meaning of strategy. His writing-tough, yet elegant-makes dramatic new ideas accessible to the general reader, as well as to businessmen, diplomats, and soldiers. Will America Win? Yes, but only if her leaders open their minds to the new and dangerous international environment left in the wake of the Cold War.
But on to more important matters: Despite the thousands of personal tragedies and the blow to our national pride (and economy) that came to us on September 11, 2001, I believe that history's ironic law of unintended consequences is at work. While Osama bin Laden and his disciples hoped to bring America to her knees, the unexpected result has been to make her citizens stand up taller than we have in decades. Rather than inciting panic, the attacks brought Americans together and healed old wounds, making us all aware, once again, of how precious a gift it is to be an American.
We also regained a critical sobriety regarding global realities that will serve us well in the years ahead. The world is an often brutal place. In far too many regions, bullies and bigots hold sway. Instead of responding with cowardice, we, the People, responded to the September 11th attacks with courage and resolve. We have a clarified sense of purpose. I do not anticipate the demise of evil -- inherent in humankind, as every major religion warns -- but I am confident that we are now better prepared to deal with evil when it confronts us. The "new warrior class" will, ultimately, be no match for freedom, tolerance, democracy, American capitalism, American creativity -- and our superb armed forces. Our struggle will be long. It will extend far beyond Afghanistan in time and space. But we will prevail. (Ralph Peters)
Overview
Highly acclaimed military strategist and writer Ralph Peters challenges America's defense establishment and national leadership with startling insights and no-holds-barred criticism. His radical assessment of the future of conflict and the kinds of enemies we will face has already excited international controversy and influenced policy. Peters identifies a 'new warrior class' and a new culture of conflict that ...