The Counterinsurgency Era: U.S. Doctrine and Performance, 1950 to the Present

by Douglas S. Blaufarb

A CIA veteran describes the reasons for what he considers to be the United States' failure as a protective guardian to the world.

Genres: History, War, Military Fiction, American History

359 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[Liam]

I was slightly disappointed by this book, although it was well worth reading if not indispensable. My admittedly extremely high expectations were conditioned by its somewhat inflated reputation (not to mention the inflated price!) as one of the classic works, possibly even THE classic work, on counterinsurgency. Mr. Blaufarb wrote a thoroughly professional history and analysis of the titular subject; however, I had expected, and would have been far more pleased had the book contained, much more of the author's extensive personal experience in South-East Asia in the form of anecdotes or observations. That being said, no counterinsurgency library could be called complete without a copy of this book, and the bibliography is excellent.

[Anusar]

The greatest book on the counterinsurgency escalation.

[Michael Kelley]

This is a must-read for those wishing a different view of the Vietnam War.