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A review by jameseckman
On The Psychology Of Military Incompetence by Norman F. Dixon
5.0
This book covers the psychological factors that lead to horrible leadership failures. It shows how authoritarian personalities that can function during peace, but not during times of stress cause horrible tragedies. For those not interested in military affairs, this also shows up in America's current politics with the rise of authoritarianism in the right and a bit as well on the left. We can see those same types of failure in our government.
Dixon divided his work in three parts, first analysis of the worst blunders in modern military history with an emphasis on the commander's behavior. It's a bit dismal. Then he shows us how the average military establishment attracts and encourages authoritarians. Finally he contrasts and compares successful generals with the failures and the personality differences are drastic.
One critique that can be leveled is that possibly Dixon cherry picked his examples, and while that might be the case, some of the failures were monsters who cared nothing for their men's lives. Should we tolerate psychopaths as leaders for our military or government? Future preventable blunders await.
I've heard about this book in the distant past and thanks to Andrew for reminding me.
In this vein, for information about ordinary soldiers in combat I recommend Marshall's [b:Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War|789859|Men Against Fire The Problem of Battle Command in Future War|S.L.A. Marshall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1335282686s/789859.jpg|775844].
Dixon divided his work in three parts, first analysis of the worst blunders in modern military history with an emphasis on the commander's behavior. It's a bit dismal. Then he shows us how the average military establishment attracts and encourages authoritarians. Finally he contrasts and compares successful generals with the failures and the personality differences are drastic.
One critique that can be leveled is that possibly Dixon cherry picked his examples, and while that might be the case, some of the failures were monsters who cared nothing for their men's lives. Should we tolerate psychopaths as leaders for our military or government? Future preventable blunders await.
I've heard about this book in the distant past and thanks to Andrew for reminding me.
In this vein, for information about ordinary soldiers in combat I recommend Marshall's [b:Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War|789859|Men Against Fire The Problem of Battle Command in Future War|S.L.A. Marshall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1335282686s/789859.jpg|775844].