If you are interested in learning more about the complex world of military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, I recommend Losing Small Wars: British Military Failure in Iraq and Afghanistan by Frank Ledwidge. This book is a unique analysis of current events firmly placed within their historical context. The author is not only a dear friend of mine, but he is also a British Barrister, former officer in the British Naval Reserve, and someone who has worked extensively as a civilian doing rule of law development work around the world. This background gives an unusual and valuable perspective to the topic. Frank focuses his critique on the UK military experience. But, the lessons he draws are applicable far beyond the United Kingdom.

And, don’t let the title fool you: this book is not just for the military. Although the book focuses on what has gone wrong with the British military approach in these “small wars”— it explains it in a way that is accessible to those of us with limited knowledge of things military.

The book is clearly written and engaging—with lots of rich stories that keeps the narrative alive—and will keep you shaking your head and thinking “why did anyone think that was a good idea?”

The book illustrates the reality that military intervention cannot substitute for the lack of a functioning government—particularly if it is not accompanied with sufficient resources for the interveners to take on the role of government at all levels.

The book also doesn’t take the easy way out of simply criticizing current efforts. Instead, the final chapter offers some specific and concrete suggestions for the British Military—suggestions that are sure to get anyone who has ever engaged in any type of aid work thinking about what might work better in both civilian and military contexts.