This is the first scholarly book to look at the role of the 'warrior' in modern war, arguing that warriors' actions, and indeed thoughts, are increasingly patrolled and that the modern battlefield is an unforgiving environment in which to discharge their vocation. As war becomes ever more instrumentalized, so its existential dimension is fast being hollowed out. Technology is threatening the agency of the warrior and this volume paints a picture of early twenty-first century warfare, helping to explain why so many aspiring warriors are becoming disenchanted with their profession. Written by a leading thinker on warfare, this book sets out to explain what makes an American Marine a 'warrior' and why suicide bombers, or Al Qaeda fighters, do not qualify for this title. This distinction is one of the central features of the current War on Terror -- and one that justifies much more extensive discussion than it has so far received. The Warrior Ethos will be of great interest to all students of military history, strategy, military sociology and war studies.
Table of Contents:
1. The Unhappy Warrior 2. Achilles and the Warrior Soul 3. Escaping the State of Nature 4. Emerson and Self-Trust 5. Brave New World, Brave New Warriors 6. Warrior Ethos
Review :
'I have read few more absorbing books in recent years than Christopher Coker’s meditation on the warrior and nature of war. The book rests on Coker’s omnivorous reading in diverse forms of literature. He offers fascinating thoughts on the influence of motion pictures on the way we perceive war, the mythic character of war as exemplified by Achilles, and the failure of our society – so perturbed by ‘risks’ – to understand the warrior. This is a tract for our times, or rather a rejection of them. Although I do not always agree with Coker’s gloomy prognostications, not least his view that soldier’s are mere ‘information processors’, there is enough material in this book to stir up a fiery debate in every staff college in the West.' - Prof. Brian Holden Reid, King's College London
'Achieving the right balance in our own warrior ethos, and anticipating the challenges to it, are vital to the present and future operational effectiveness of our armed forces, as well as being important aspects of the wider ongoing debate on military culture and ethics. This book does not provide all the answers, nor does it seek to. But it does provide a comprehensive examination of this most important subject, and in a style which is both reflective and thought-provoking. It is an essential foundation to informed participation in the debate, and deserves to be widely read.' - Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, Director of the Defence Academy, RUSI Journal
'This book does not provide all the answers, nor does it seek to. But it does provide a comprehensive examination of this most important subject, and in a style which is both reflective and thought-provoking. It is an essential foundation to informed participation in the debate, and deserves to be widely read.' - Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, Director of the Defence Academy
'This book is a necessary read for anyone concerned with the role of today's military, and well worth the reader's investment. Coker's breadth of scholarship is impressive. Equally appreciated is the depth of the specific research and application given the role of warrior attributes in the modern world. The author presents a myriad of challenges to the traditional warrior concept and highlights a number of the emerging practices associated with training and "incentivizing" a military force.' - Eric Wester, Parameters: U.S. Army War College Quarterly
'Achieving the right balance in our own warrior ethos, and anticipating the challenges to it, are vital to the present and future operational effectiveness of our armed forces, as well as being important aspects of the wider ongoing debate on military culture and ethics. This book does not provide all the answers, nor does it seek to. But it does provide a comprehensive examination of this most important subject, and in a style which is both reflective and thought-provoking. It is an essential foundation to informed participation in the debate, and deserves to be widely read.' - Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, Director of the Defence Academy, RUSI Journal
