Category: Book Review

Posted on

575: BOOK REVIEW: 7 SECONDS TO DIE

 

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: 7 SECONDS TO DIE

 

BY JOHN C. ANTAL

 

Review by: Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, VM

Former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force.

 

 

John C. Antal’s 7 Seconds to Die offers a compelling and detailed analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020), a conflict that showcased the decisive role of modern military technologies, particularly drones and artificial intelligence. This book transcends being a mere war chronicle; it is a profound exploration of how technological advancements reshape 21st-century military strategies. Antal’s approach, combining vivid storytelling with rigorous military analysis, makes this work indispensable for military professionals, strategists, and anyone interested in the future of warfare.

 

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Though deeply rooted in historical and ethnic tensions, this war became a showcase for implementing cutting-edge technologies in combat. Azerbaijan, backed by Turkish military technology and Israeli-made drones, demonstrated a level of precision, speed, and lethality that overwhelmed Armenian forces. Antal contextualises the war within the broader framework of global military trends, emphasising that this was not just a regional conflict but a harbinger of future warfare. The title, 7 Seconds to Die, refers to the average time Armenian soldiers had to react once a drone detected their position. This chilling statistic underscores the deadly efficiency of unmanned systems.

 

Antal positions the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War as a critical case study in the ongoing Revolution in Military Affairs. He argues that integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and advanced surveillance systems signifies a paradigm shift in combat operations. The book methodically details how Azerbaijan utilised these technologies to achieve information dominance, disrupt enemy supply lines, and conduct precision strikes with minimal human risk. Antal’s narrative is filled with examples of this technological edge. For instance, Azerbaijan’s use of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and Israeli Harop loitering munitions not only neutralised Armenian air defences but also demoralised their troops. These systems enabled Azerbaijan to conduct a “kill chain”—identifying, targeting, and neutralising enemies—in seconds.

 

One of the book’s most striking insights is how technology levelled the playing field between two unevenly matched nations. Despite its superior terrain and entrenched positions, Armenia was unable to counter Azerbaijan’s technological superiority. Antal describes this as a shift from traditional measures of military strength—numbers, firepower, and fortifications—to a new era where speed, data, and adaptability are decisive. The author provides a nuanced analysis of the asymmetry created by drones. He explains that these technologies are not merely force multipliers; they are force disruptors. Traditional tactics, such as the use of trenches, tanks, and static artillery, became liabilities under constant drone surveillance.

 

Another profound theme in 7 Seconds to Die is the psychological toll of drone warfare. Antal vividly describes how Armenian soldiers, constantly under threat from an invisible and omnipresent enemy, experienced fear, confusion, and helplessness. This psychological dimension, he argues, is as significant as the physical destruction caused by drones. Antal also explores the implications of this psychological warfare for global militaries. The fear of being watched and targeted in real-time may fundamentally change the nature of combat, making it more about outwitting algorithms and less about confrontation.

 

Antal’s analysis extends beyond the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War to extract lessons for militaries worldwide. He emphasises the need for nations to adapt to this new reality, where traditional doctrines may no longer apply. His key recommendations include investing in counter-drone technologies, training soldiers to operate in environments dominated by UAVs, and developing doctrines prioritising speed, flexibility, and decentralisation. The book also raises critical ethical and strategic questions. How do nations balance using autonomous systems with the principles of humanitarian law? What happens when such technologies fall into the hands of non-state actors or rogue states? These are challenges that the global military community must address as the era of drone warfare matures.

 

Antal’s writing is both accessible and authoritative. He balances technical detail and engaging prose, making complex military concepts understandable to a broad audience. The book is well-structured, with each chapter building logically on the previous one. Antal’s use of maps, diagrams, and first-hand accounts enhances the reader’s understanding of the conflict’s dynamics. Moreover, the book’s pacing mirrors the rapid tempo of the war itself. Antal captures the urgency and unpredictability of modern combat, immersing the reader in the battlefield’s chaos while maintaining analytical clarity.

 

While 7 Seconds to Die is a ground-breaking analysis, it has shortcomings. The book is heavily focused on Azerbaijan’s success, sometimes at the expense of a more balanced view of Armenia’s strategies and failures. A deeper exploration of Armenia’s countermeasures (or lack thereof) would have provided a fuller picture of the conflict. Additionally, while the book excels in describing the tactical and operational implications of drone warfare, its treatment of the broader geopolitical consequences is relatively brief. For instance, how might the proliferation of such technologies affect regional stability in the South Caucasus? These questions deserve more attention.

 

Beyond its analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, 7Seconds to Die is a wake-up call for nations and militaries worldwide. The book highlights the growing accessibility of advanced military technologies, raising concerns about democratising lethality. As Antal notes, the cost of entry for drone warfare is relatively low, meaning that even smaller nations or non-state actors can achieve disproportionate effects. The book also underscores the need for robust international norms and agreements to regulate the use of such technologies. Without clear rules, the risk of escalation, misuse, and collateral damage increases significantly.

 

7 Seconds to Die is a landmark work that captures the essence of 21st-century warfare. John C. Antal’s meticulous analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War offers valuable lessons for military professionals, policymakers, and scholars. The book is a sobering reminder that the future of warfare will be dominated by speed, precision, and technological ingenuity. While some gaps remain in its geopolitical analysis, Antal’s work is a testament to technology’s transformative power in shaping the battlefield. 7 Seconds to Die is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the future of military conflict.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register your email here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

Posted on

574: BOOK REVIEW: Pakistan – The Balochistan Conundrum, By Tilak Devasher

 

 

Review by: Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, VM

Former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force.

 

Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum by Tilak Devasher is a comprehensive, meticulously researched examination of one of Pakistan’s most complex and troubled regions. As a former Indian civil servant with years of experience analysing Pakistan’s internal and external affairs, Devasher offers a deep dive into Balochistan’s conflicts’ historical, political, and socioeconomic underpinnings. He presents a multidimensional narrative that explores the impact of colonial history, resource distribution, ethnic and cultural tensions, and geopolitical influences on Balochistan’s struggle for autonomy within Pakistan.

 

At the heart of the book lies the question: what makes Balochistan so difficult to integrate fully into Pakistan? Devasher’s analysis identifies factors that have driven Balochistan’s longstanding conflicts and challenges. The province’s vast resources, geostrategic location, and distinct ethnic identity make it both a prized possession and a perpetual problem for Pakistan’s federal government. Devasher sheds light on the complex relationship between the Pakistani state and Balochistan, often marked by mistrust, resentment, and recurring conflict. His work argues that Islamabad’s policies toward the province have remained largely focused on control rather than integration, a stance that has left Balochistan in perpetual marginalisation.

 

Devasher begins by tracing the origins of Balochistan’s discontent back to the time of British colonial rule. As the British expanded their influence in the region, they established an essentially exploitative relationship with Balochistan, incorporating the region into their empire while suppressing local political structures. This legacy of exploitation and suppression left the Baloch people with an enduring distrust of centralised rule, a sentiment that has only deepened under Pakistan’s federal government.

 

Post-independence, Pakistan adopted a similar approach to Balochistan, perceiving it as a remote, resource-rich frontier rather than an integrated part of the country. According to Devasher, the forced accession of the princely state of Kalat in 1948 laid the foundation for the ongoing resistance movements in Balochistan. The book provides a detailed account of the four main insurgencies that have taken place in Balochistan since Pakistan’s creation, underscoring how each conflict has only worsened the province’s resentment towards Islamabad. Devasher’s narration explains how Pakistan’s failure to address the region’s core issues—economic deprivation, lack of political representation, and cultural autonomy—has kept the fires of rebellion alive for decades.

 

Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, and Devasher strongly argues that the province’s socioeconomic plight is at the core of its grievances. Despite being rich in natural gas, coal, copper, and gold, most of Balochistan’s population remains impoverished and lacks access to primary education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The exploitation of these resources has been another source of discontent, as Islamabad reaps the economic benefits while Balochistan’s people continue to live in poverty. Devasher’s work highlights the deep disparities in resource distribution, pointing out that most of the profits generated from the province’s resources go to the central government rather than the local population. This economic exclusion only deepened feelings of alienation among the Baloch people. The book also addresses the question of royalties, noting that the revenues from natural gas production, for instance, rarely benefit the people of Balochistan themselves. In Devasher’s view, the Pakistani government’s policies of resource extraction without compensation or reinvestment are an example of economic colonialism that has further alienated the Baloch populace.

 

Devasher’s critique extends to Pakistan’s heavy reliance on military intervention to maintain control over Balochistan. Since the inception of Pakistan, the government has treated the Baloch independence movement as a national security issue rather than a political or economic one. This approach, according to Devasher, has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a heavy military presence that has stifled civil life in the province. He brings forth testimonies and documented evidence from various sources to illustrate the brutality of Pakistan’s military tactics, highlighting how these methods have only fuelled further resistance among the Baloch people.

 

Devasher’s exploration of human rights issues is one of the book’s most powerful sections. He discusses the “missing persons” issue in depth, referring to the thousands of Baloch activists, students, and political leaders who have allegedly been abducted or killed by state security forces. This has led to what Devasher describes as a pervasive atmosphere of fear and oppression. He further explores the militarisation of Balochistan, showing how these repressive policies have created a sense of siege among ordinary Baloch citizens. By treating Balochistan as a security problem, Devasher argues that the Pakistani government has undermined its efforts to integrate the province, instead fostering an atmosphere of anger and resentment that has only served to strengthen separatist sentiments.

 

Another crucial element of Devasher’s analysis is Balochistan’s geopolitical significance, particularly its role in Pakistan’s relationships with Afghanistan, India, and China. Devasher notes that Balochistan’s location—bordering Iran and Afghanistan and close to the Persian Gulf—makes it a strategic asset for Pakistan. However, this same strategic significance has drawn external interest, especially from India and Afghanistan, which Pakistan accuses of supporting Baloch insurgents.

 

The book also covers China’s involvement in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructural initiative that runs through the province. Devasher describes how the CPEC project while promising to bring development, has generated concerns among the Baloch over increased military presence, displacement, and lack of economic benefits for the local population. Devasher argues that while the CPEC may bring some development, it has also intensified fears that foreign powers exploit Balochistan’s resources without fair compensation to the local population. The geostrategic context adds further complexity to the Balochistan conundrum, as external involvement in the region creates additional pressure on Pakistan’s federal government.

 

In addition to political and economic issues, Devasher dedicates part of his analysis to the cultural and ethnic identity of the Baloch people. He discusses how the Pakistani state has attempted to impose a uniform national identity, one that prioritises Islam and disregards the distinct cultural heritage of the Baloch people. This attempt to assimilate Balochistan into a homogenised national identity has only heightened the Baloch people’s desire to preserve their distinct cultural and ethnic identity, adding to their resistance to centralisation.

 

Devasher argues that Pakistan’s policies have overlooked the Baloch people’s historical sense of autonomy and pride in their cultural identity. This aspect of Baloch identity is intertwined with their demand for greater independence and self-determination. Devasher presents an in-depth look at how cultural suppression has become a symbol of the broader political and economic neglect that the Baloch people face, arguing that this cultural dimension is a crucial yet often overlooked factor in understanding Balochistan’s resistance.

 

Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum is a profoundly insightful and compelling account of Balochistan’s struggle within Pakistan. Devasher combines historical perspective, human rights concerns, and geopolitical analysis to deliver a balanced and thorough examination of the region’s conflicts. His findings paint a sobering picture: unless Pakistan addresses the root causes of Balochistan’s grievances, its policies may continue to fuel instability and insurgency.

 

Devasher’s work ultimately suggests that the road to peace and integration lies not in military domination but in addressing the legitimate demands of the Baloch people, particularly in terms of economic inclusion, political representation, and respect for cultural identity. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in South Asian geopolitics, as it offers a clear-eyed look at a region that is both critical to Pakistan’s stability and emblematic of its internal struggles.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register your email here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

Posted on

535: BOOK REVIEW: THE FOUR AGES OF AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY, BY MICHAEL MANDELBAUM

 

Published on Indus International Research Foundation Website on 19 Nov 24.

 

 

Review by: Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, VM

Former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force.

 

Michael Mandelbaum’s The Four Ages of American Foreign Policy offers a sweeping examination of the United States’ transformation from a fledgling nation into a hyperpower that dominates the global stage. By examining over two centuries of American history, Mandelbaum classifies U.S. foreign policy into four primary “ages,” each representing a distinct growth phase and influence in international affairs. The book dives into the evolution of American strategy and intent in foreign relations, framing each “age” as a response to shifting global circumstances and reflecting the country’s unique political culture. By dividing the country’s history into weak power, great power, superpower, and hyperpower, Mandelbaum provides a framework for understanding how the U.S. has adapted its policies to meet the changing needs of each era.

 

Mandelbaum’s narrative opens with the Weak Power era (1776–1865), during which America primarily focused on survival and independence rather than international ambitions. The young nation was more concerned with establishing a stable government and defending its sovereignty than projecting power abroad. This era was marked by the emphasis on avoiding European entanglements, which is evident in policies like George Washington’s Farewell Address, which urged against permanent alliances, and Thomas Jefferson’s expansion-oriented Monroe Doctrine. Mandelbaum highlights that during this period, the U.S. was relatively powerless in global affairs, focused on creating a continental nation and avoiding conflicts that could threaten its security and stability.

 

However, as the United States expanded westward and industrialised, it grew in strength and influence, eventually emerging as a Great Power (1865–1945). This era, Mandelbaum argues, was defined by America’s transition from a primarily inward-focused power to an increasingly assertive global player. Following the Civil War, the U.S. embraced a more interventionist stance, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, solidifying its presence through events like the Spanish-American War and the subsequent acquisition of overseas territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Mandelbaum examines how the U.S. began to assert influence beyond its borders, adopting a broader vision of its role in the Western Hemisphere and, later, in the First World War, as a global moral leader. Although hesitant to join the League of Nations after World War I, America’s involvement in the war indicated a shifting sense of responsibility for world affairs.

 

The author provides a nuanced examination of the Superpower era (1945–1991), marked by the Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union. This era saw the U.S. and Soviet Union engage in a multi-decade ideological struggle, where each superpower sought to assert the dominance of its political and economic systems across the globe. Mandelbaum explains that American foreign policy during this time was driven by the doctrine of containment, which focused on limiting the spread of communism and Soviet influence. Key policies of this era included the Truman Doctrine, which pledged U.S. support for nations resisting communist subjugation, and the Marshall Plan, a bold investment to help rebuild European economies while staving off Soviet influence. Mandelbaum argues that the U.S.’s superpower status during the Cold War allowed it to shape international institutions and norms in unprecedented ways, often dictating the terms of global security and economic stability.

 

However, the Cold War’s end and the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 heralded the onset of the Hyperpower era (1991–Present). Mandelbaum characterises this period as one of unparalleled dominance by the United States, as it stood as the world’s only remaining superpower. American influence permeated nearly every aspect of international relations in this new global reality. The U.S. was not just a powerful nation but, for a time, an almost uncontested force that set the agenda in international politics, economics, and culture. However, Mandelbaum is careful to note the challenges of this hyperpower era. Though the U.S. achieved a level of influence unmatched in world history, it has also faced significant struggles in this role. Post-9/11 conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, have been costly and complex, challenging America’s perception as a stabilising force. Mandelbaum argues that despite America’s overwhelming military and economic advantages, the hyperpower era has exposed limitations in achieving long-term stability through military interventions alone.

 

Mandelbaum’s The Four Ages of American Foreign Policy excels in its ability to contextualise complex foreign policy decisions within each era’s historical trends and pressures. By categorising U.S. foreign policy into these distinct “ages,” he provides a framework for understanding the ebb and flow of American influence as it adapts to an ever-changing international landscape. Throughout the book, Mandelbaum offers detailed analyses of significant policies, such as the Marshall Plan, NATO, and the recent “War on Terror,” examining how each has shaped the global order and influenced the U.S.’s position.

 

A significant strength of Mandelbaum’s book is his exploration of the interplay between American ideals and strategic interests. For instance, he discusses how the nation’s commitment to democracy and capitalism influenced its actions during the Cold War, balancing the moral impetus to protect freedom with the pragmatic need to counter Soviet influence. Mandelbaum also addresses the ideological basis of American foreign policy, reflecting on the country’s self-image as a “city upon a hill” and the belief in its mission to spread freedom and democracy. He explains how this ideology has fuelled foreign policy initiatives while creating tensions and inconsistencies—particularly when U.S. actions abroad have conflicted with its professed values.

 

The Four Ages of American Foreign Policy is compelling and informative. Mandelbaum’s historical perspective provides readers with a roadmap to understand how and why the United States has occupied such a central role on the world stage and how its position has changed over time. By framing U.S. foreign policy within the distinct categories of weak power, great power, superpower, and hyperpower, Mandelbaum offers a lens through which readers can analyse current American foreign policy, equipped with the historical context needed to understand its complexities.

 

The Four Ages of American Foreign Policy is essential for anyone interested in the history and future of American influence in global affairs. Mandelbaum’s clear, insightful writing and well-structured approach make the book accessible to both foreign policy students and general readers alike. This work reminds us that while America has achieved great influence, it also bears significant responsibilities and must continuously adapt to maintain its role in a changing world.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register your email here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.