Rating: 
Summary: A fresh perspective on civilization's evolution and future.
Review: This book postulates alternative scenarios for world order/disorder as we begin the 21st century. It draws on an insightful analysis of the evolutionary history of feudal-states, to imperial nation-states, to the struggle between communist/fascist/parliamentary nation-states whose objective was to "better material welfare of its citizens." It shows how the parliamentary-state form of government emerged triumphant in 1990 with the collapse of communism and how it is now transforming itself into a market-state structure whose objective is to "maximize the opportunity of its people."Focusing on military strategy and technology, and international law and politics, considered by Bobbitt as "the makers of history", he reviews the major European wars from 1494 to 1990 and the major peace agreements that ended them. He also devotes a chapter to the recent war in Bosnia. His insight into the methods, motivations, skillfulness, and ineptitude of the major players gives us new perceptions on the use of geopolitical power. He uses all this background to consider our current and probable world problems and then, using methods pioneered by Royal Dutch/Shell Group Planning, relates them to three alternative scenarios of how these new market-states may evolve and deal with these issues. At 827 pages plus notes it is not short, nor is it light reading, but it's lessons are imperative for people involved in government, the military, foreign relations, and global strategic thinking. I also highly recommended it for anyone who desires a thoughtful analysis of what is likely to be in store for our civilization in the days ahead.
Rating:
Summary: A Lot to Absorb, but Worth the Effort
Review: This is a most impressive work. It is monumental -- intellectual, deep thinking, not light reading at all. Bobbitt starts with a premise with which I most heartily agree: humanity is entering a whole new era. He sees an evolution of states over the past millennium, each associated with a type of warfare and international environment, transitioning from one to the next due to an epochal war...this is a masterful work. Reading his words, listening to his thoughts, seeing how he structures his arguments, grasping the depth and breadth of his vision and how he pulls it all together into a single, coherent set of ideas, I am struck by the averageness of my intellect and almost overwhelmed by his.
His is profound thinking with far-reaching implications. It strikes home in our post-9/11 awakening. (Its publication was coincidental.) It takes longer to read than its 800+ pages would indicate because one must often stop and ponder his words. If you are willing to take this book on, you will be well rewarded. A resounding 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Definately Worth Your Time
Review: This is the only book I've ever given five stars. Bobbit is an original and his dissection of constitutional history, what this meant and still means, is unique. If you enjoy books like "Guns, Germs, and Steel", by Jarrod Diamond, or, "Rise and Fall of the Great Powers", by Paul Kennedy, you'll feel right at home. If you have a serious interest in politics or world affairs this book is a must read. I'm not sure I agree with many of Bobbit's conclusions but this book raises vital questions. I have no clue how someone could compare it to Time Magazine (did it go over your head? *woosh*).
Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: Those who take the time to wade through this book are in for quite a learning experience. Bobbitt's unique melding of strategy and constitutionalism offers deep insights into the nature of the international system and the future of American power. The chapter on the War in Bosnia - comparing the reaction of the great powers to that of Kitty Genovese's neighbors as she was being murdered in Queens, NY - is gut-wrenching and thought-provoking, and constitutes one of the most engrossing 50 pages that I have ever read. The choices that Bobbitt offers policy-makers are stark and of fundamental importantce - it is a shame that few will take the time to consider the long-term implications of their often hasty short-term decision-making.
Rating:
Summary: A New Perspective on Governance and History
Review: _The Shield of Achilles_ should be enough to guarantee its
author a place among the giants of political science.
Bobbitt uses the history of western governance to show how a
state's claim to legitimacy relates to its ways of peace and
war, and how these have changed in a pattern that repeats (but
never exactly), a pattern that IS repeating now, explaining our
confusion in the aftermath of the Cold War. We face not the
end of history but the end of an `epochal' war that stretched
from 1914 to 1990; not the death of the State but the transition
from our familiar form of the State to a new form with new goals
and a new claim to legitimacy. Knowing that we've done it
before, we are better able to face the uncertainties ahead.
Knowing what is falling away, we can make informed choices
about what must replace it.
This a long book by an erudite and gifted writer with a lot to
say and a lot of ground to cover. Others in this space have
complained about what it lacks; other writers offer those goods.
What Bobbitt gives us comes in part from his extraordinary (and
probably unique) resume: a professor of history, a professor of
Constitutional Law, a veteran of the Department of State and
an assistant to the National Security Advisor, for a start.
Expect to spend six to ten evenings on this book; you will be
repaid according to the effort you give.
A final thought: If the name `Edward M. House' means nothing
to you, you need to read this book, if only for the chapter
_Colonel House and a World Made of Law_. (It could as well
have been titled _The Architect of the Twentieth Century_.)
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