Rumsfeld's Wars

Brief Summary

Rumsfeld's Wars by Dale Roy Herspring offers a critical examination of Donald Rumsfeld's tenure as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Herspring, an authority on civil-military relations, delves into Rumsfeld's leadership style and strategic decisions, with a significant focus on his role during the Iraq War. The book is nonpartisan, providing a detailed analysis of how Rumsfeld's approaches and decisions impacted the U.S. military and its operations.

Main Themes and Topics

The primary themes of Rumsfeld's Wars include Rumsfeld's leadership style, particularly his controlling and domineering nature, and his vision for transforming the American military. Herspring also critically examines Rumsfeld's handling of the Iraq War, highlighting both strategic missteps and the resulting consequences. The book delves deeply into the complex dynamics of civil-military relations, illustrating the tension and challenges faced during Rumsfeld's tenure.

Writing Style and Tone

Dale Roy Herspring employs a scholarly yet accessible style, ensuring that readers from various backgrounds can engage with the material. The tone of the book is analytical and detailed, providing an objective critique without descending into partisan bias. Herspring’s expertise in civil-military relations shines through in his thorough exploration of the subject matter, ensuring that the book is informative and insightful.

Criticism

While Rumsfeld's Wars is generally well-received for its in-depth analysis and scholarly approach, some critics argue that the book focuses heavily on Rumsfeld’s negative attributes and could offer a more balanced perspective by highlighting any positive contributions he made. Additionally, some readers might find the focus on military strategy and policy dense or challenging, especially those without a background in these areas.