Guerrilla warfare is not just the tool of modern-day terrorists in the Middle East. Its roots stretch back to our very own revolution. In Violent Politics, William R. Polk takes us on a concise, brilliant tour of insurgencies throughout history, beginning with America's own struggle for independence. Continuing on, Polk explores the role of insurgency in other notable conflicts—including the Spanish guerrilla war against Napoleon, the Irish struggle for independence, the Algerian War of National Independence, and Vietnam—eventually landing at the ongoing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the lessons of this history are needed more than ever.
William Roe Polk Libri
La carriera accademica di William R. Polk si è concentrata sulla letteratura e la storia araba, portando la sua esperienza in istituzioni come l'Università di Harvard e l'Università di Chicago. Oltre all'ambito accademico, la sua influenza si è estesa alla formulazione di politiche, servendo nel Policy Planning Council sotto il Presidente Kennedy e partecipando attivamente ai negoziati per il cessate il fuoco di Suez tra Egitto e Israele. Ha anche fondato l'Adlai Stevenson Institute of International Affairs, evidenziando la sua dedizione al discorso internazionale. La prolifica produzione letteraria di Polk, testimoniata da diciannove libri, dimostra un profondo impegno nei suoi campi scelti.






Crusade and Jihad
- 632pagine
- 23 ore di lettura
What really happened in the centuries of conflict between Europe, Russia, China, America, and the peoples of the Muslim world číst celé
Understanding Iran
Everything You Need to Know, from Persia to the Islamic Republic, from Cyrus to Ahmadinejad
- 286pagine
- 11 ore di lettura
The book offers a detailed history of Iran, highlighting its rapid emergence as a key power in the Middle East. Polk sheds light on the complexities of Iranian society and politics, addressing common misconceptions held in the West. He explores the tensions felt by Iranians under their current leadership, providing insight into the nation's cultural and historical significance.
Understanding Iraq
- 240pagine
- 9 ore di lettura
Helps the reader comprehend Iraq, its diversities and contradictions, namely Arab and Kurd, Shia and Sunni, traditionalist and modern, secular and religious, pragmatic and radical. This book culminates in an indictment of the US for failing to learn the lessons of history in Iraq.
The book offers insights into contemporary issues and developments in the Arab world, exploring political, social, and economic dynamics. It examines the region's diverse cultures and the impact of globalization, conflict, and reform. Through various perspectives, it aims to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and transformations shaping the Arab nations today.
Der renommierte Historiker und Experte für den Nahen und Mittleren Osten William Polk nimmt uns in seiner Untersuchung mit auf einen kurzen und erkenntnisreichen Rundgang durch die Geschichte der Aufstände. Er analysiert ein Dutzend Guerillakriege, vom Amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskrieg bis zu den Widerstandsbewegungen im Irak und Afghanistan. Trotz ihrer hohen menschlichen und materiellen Kosten waren und sind »Aufstände« offenbar das Mittel der Wahl, um die politische Verfügungsgewalt über das eigene Territorium (wieder) zu erlangen. Warum sie entstehen, welche wiederkehrenden sozialen, politischen und kulturellen Bedingungen dabei zu beobachten sind, welche typischen Phasen solche Bewegungen durchlaufen und warum Bemühungen, diese Art von Rebellion niederzuschlagen, regelmäßig scheitern, sind Fragen, die William Polk erstmals systematisch-vergleichend beantwortet. Seine Schlussfolgerungen sind nicht nur hoch aktuell und relevant für die Politik der internationalen Gemeinschaft, sondern auch für das Engagement deutscher Truppen in den »Krisengebieten« der Welt.