Explaining the Iraq War

Brief Summary

"Explaining the Iraq War" by Frank P. Harvey is a profound exploration into the widely accepted narrative surrounding the Iraq war. Rather than accepting the conventional view that attributes the outbreak of war solely to the ideological agenda and strategies of the Bush administration, Harvey delves into a more complex analysis. The book provides a historically grounded account, making use of factual and counterfactual evidence to offer an alternative perspective. Harvey's work aims to shed light on the multiple causal mechanisms and the role of path dependence and momentum, presenting a comprehensive picture of the events that led the US-UK coalition to engage in war.

Main Themes and Topics

A central theme of "Explaining the Iraq War" is the critique of the dominant narrative that blames the war entirely on the neoconservative agenda. Harvey challenges this notion by arguing that such explanations lack a solid logical foundation. The book thoroughly examines the concept of path dependence, suggesting that decisions were influenced by a sequence of events and momentum that surpassed the control of any individual or administration. Harvey discusses various levels of analysis, engaging with historical, strategic, and political contexts to explain the complex web of decisions that culminated in the conflict.

Writing Style and Tone

Frank P. Harvey's writing style is analytical and methodical, reflecting his academic background. He writes with clarity and rigor, ensuring that each argument is supported by evidence. The tone of the book is scholarly, yet accessible, engaging readers who have an interest in political science and international relations. Harvey's objective approach allows readers to critically evaluate the commonly accepted explanations for the Iraq war, while also presenting them with compelling alternative views.

Criticism

While "Explaining the Iraq War" has been praised for its in-depth analysis and well-researched content, some readers and critics have found the book's heavy reliance on counterfactual evidence a point of contention. The use of hypothetical scenarios, while insightful, occasionally risks diverting focus from concrete historical facts to speculation. This approach may not appeal to all readers, especially those who prefer a narrative strictly grounded in occurred events. Nonetheless, Harvey’s exploration of 'what-if' situations aims to expand the reader's understanding of the intricate dynamics at play during the lead-up to the war.