Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The Nuclear Revolution, 1945-1960 2. Flexible Response, 1961-1975 3. Technology and the War in Vietnam, 1963-1975 4. Winning the Cold War, 1976-1990 5. The Gulf War and the Post-Cold War Era, 1991-2001 6. The Global War on Terrorism, 2001-2005 7. Technology and the American Way of War Notes Index

Promotional Information

From the atom bomb to the spy satellites of the Cold War, the strategic limitations of the Vietnam War, and the technological triumphs of the Gulf war, Thomas G. Mahnken follows the development and integration of new technologies into the military and emphasizes their influence on the organization, mission, and culture of the armed services. In some cases, advancements in technology have forced different branches of the military to develop competing or superior weaponry, but more often than not the armed services have molded technology to suit their own purposes, remaining resilient in the face of technological challenges. Mahnken concludes with the reemergence of the traditional American way of war, which uses massive force to engage the enemy, and discusses how the armed forces could take advantage of the information revolution.

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. The Nuclear Revolution, 1945--19602. Flexible Response, 1961--19753. Technology and the War in Vietnam, 1963--19754. Winning the Cold War, 1976--19905. The Gulf War and the Post--Cold War Era, 1991--20016. The Global War on Terrorism, 2001--20057. Technology and the American Way of WarNotesIndex

About the Author

Thomas G. Mahnken is a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College and a visiting fellow at the Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at The Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Formerly, he served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy planning.

Reviews

This is a practitioner's account of military equipment and weapons written with the insight of a historian of technology. -- Alex Roland Technology and Culture Mahnken's study helps to reveal our sometimes hidden preconceptions and core beliefs about technology and war. Proceedings This is a useful book and one that is certain to stimulate discussion of its important subject. -- Kenneth P. Werrell The Journal of Military History