The Shield and the Cloak
The Security of the Commons
Published on 30. March 2006
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-0-19-530616-3 (ISBN)
Description
Gary Hart has long been one of the nation's foremost experts on national security, combining a deep knowledge of national security policy with first-hand experience of the political realities that influence how America safeguards itself and its interests. In his new book, Hart outlines, in clear, simple prose, the fundamental changes with which America must grapple when confronting a terrorist threat that has no state and no geographic homebase and thus offers no genuine target for the world's largest and most sophisticated military force.
Security can only be achieved, Hart argues, by applying new tactics, new players, and a nuanced understanding of the radical changes in the security environment. The old security required massive weapons in massive numbers. The new security requires special forces, individual warrior teams seeking out terrorists in the most remote corners of the world and in the heart of American cities, as well as cooperation among intelligence services. The old security required economic dominance. The new security requires economic integration in a world of international markets, trade, and finance. The new security will be both national and international, defensive and offensive, and will require a shield for the homeland as well as a cloak of non-military security.
Security can only be achieved, Hart argues, by applying new tactics, new players, and a nuanced understanding of the radical changes in the security environment. The old security required massive weapons in massive numbers. The new security requires special forces, individual warrior teams seeking out terrorists in the most remote corners of the world and in the heart of American cities, as well as cooperation among intelligence services. The old security required economic dominance. The new security requires economic integration in a world of international markets, trade, and finance. The new security will be both national and international, defensive and offensive, and will require a shield for the homeland as well as a cloak of non-military security.
Reviews / Votes
... an accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism. * Publishers Weekly * A public intellectual of the first rank. * Des Moines Register * The Shield and the Cloak is about big ideas--and a reminder that they matter. Gary Hart was one of those rare politicians who believed deeply in ideas and ran for office on them. Looking ahead to this November and beyond to 2008, as both Democrats and Republicans try to articulate their policies for the post-Bush world, experts and common citizens alike would be well served to read this book closely and heed Hart's core message and his example. * The Washington Monthly * A comprehensive, clear-eyed polemic on how this nation--along with the rest of the world, not in spite of it--should provide security for its people. He makes a concise, articulate argument, minus the shrillness of much of today's discourse, that he believes it is imperative that we provide that security and that the manner in which the current crop of powers-that-be are going about it is wrongheaded. * The Denver Post es * Hart brings excellent credentials to the subject of security policy. This book's value lies in its stylistic clarity and conceptual breadth, qualities that make it a likely contender in forthcoming political debate. Hart's recommendations nicely balance the notion of security as an aggregate of domestic policies with specific recommendations to strengthen military, diplomatic, and intelligence capabilities. This book is likely to get serious attention. Recommended for all public and academic libraries. * Library Journal *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-530616-3 (9780195306163)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2006
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€9.99
Available for download
E-Book
02/2006
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€10.99
Available for download
Person
Gary Hart represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1975 to 1987. He is the author of seventeen books, has taught at Yale, and lectured at the University of California and Oxford University, where he earned a doctor of philosophy degree in politics in 2001. As co-chair of the U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st Century, he was credited with forecasting a 9/11-type attack. He resides with his family in Kittredge, Colorado.
Content
Introduction: The New Three Dimensional Chess Game
I: A Student of Security
II: The Transformation of Security
III: Threats and Opportunities: Opportunities Used to Reduce Threats
IV: Applying Our Powers to the Purpose of Security
V: The Security of the Commons
Conclusion: Security's Web
Index
I: A Student of Security
II: The Transformation of Security
III: Threats and Opportunities: Opportunities Used to Reduce Threats
IV: Applying Our Powers to the Purpose of Security
V: The Security of the Commons
Conclusion: Security's Web
Index