James J. Wirtz

In this account of one of the worst intelligence failures in American history, James J. Wirtz explains why U.S. forces were surprised by the North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in 1968. Wirtz reconstructs the turning point of the Vietnam War in unprecedented detail. Drawing upon Vietcong and recently declassified U.S. sources, he is able to trace the strategy and unfolding of the Tet campaign as well as the U.S. response.

Intelligence Failure in War

The Tet Offensive

Colin S. Gray

John Baylis

"A complete introduction to strategy in the contemporary world, which critically explores the enduring, present and emerging issues dominating the field of strategy." 4e de couv.

An Introduction to Strategic Studies

Strategy in the Contemporary World

Peter R. Lavoy

In every decade of the nuclear era, one or two states have developed nuclear weapons despite the international community's opposition to proliferation. In the coming years, the breakdown of security arrangements, especially in the Middle East and Northeast Asia, could drive additional countries to seek their own nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) weapons and missiles. This likely would produce greater instability, more insecure states, and further proliferation. Are there steps concerned countries can take to anticipate, prevent, or dissuade the next generation of proliferators? Are there countries that might reassess their decision to forgo a nuclear arsenal? This volume brings together top international security experts to examine the issues affecting a dozen or so countries' nuclear weapons policies over the next decade. In Part I, National Decisions in Perspective, the work describes the domestic political consideration and international pressures that shape national nuclear policies of several key states. In Part II, Fostering Nonproliferation, the contributors discuss the factors that shape the future motivations and capabilities of various states to acquire nuclear weapons, and assess what the world community can do to counter this process. The future utility of bilateral and multilateral security assurances, treaty-based nonproliferation regimes, and other policy instruments are covered thoroughly.

Over the Horizon Proliferation Threats

Wirtz explains why U.S. forces were surprised by the North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in 1968. --Roger Hilsman "Political Science Quarterly"

Scott Douglas Sagan

Peter René Lavoy

The proliferation of chemical, biologial and nuclear weapons is now the single most serious security concern for governments around the world. This text compares how organisations shape the way leaders intend to employ these armaments.

How New Powers Will Use Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons

Planning the Unthinkable

Loch K. Johnson

Loch J. Johnson

The second edition of Johnson and Wirtz's anthology provides a comprehensive set of readings in the field of intelligence studies. The book spans a wide range of topics, from how the United States gathers and interprets information collected around the world to comparisons of the American intelligence system with the secret agencies of other nations. The text addresses a wide range of material including: (1) the meaning of strategic intelligence; (2) methods of intelligence collection; (3) intelligence analysis; (4) the danger of intelligence politicization; (5) relationships between intelligence officers and the policymakers they serve; (6) covert action; (7) counterintelligence; (8) accountability and civil liberties; (9) the implications of the major intelligence failures in 2001 and 2002 regarding, respectively, the terrorist attacks against the United States and the faulty estimates about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; and (10) intelligence as practiced in other nations. New to this edition: * A review of the state of intelligence research literature * An interview with former CIA director Richard Helms * The early development of U.S. satellite surveillance * The role of intelligence leaks in the federal government * Improving relations between the producers and consumers of intelligence * The Senate investigation of the Ames spying scandal in the CIA * NSA warrantless wiretaps * Intelligence mistakes leading up to the 9/11 attack * Intelligence failures in the faulty predictions of WMDs in Iraq * Institutional conflicts that contributed to 9/11 failures * The British intelligence failures regarding WMDs in Iraq

The Secret World of Spies : an Anthology

Intelligence and National Security

T. V. Paul

Michel Fortmann

Since the sudden disappearance of the Soviet Union, many scholars have argued that the balance of power theory is losing its relevance. This text examines this viewpoint, as well as looking at systematic factors that may hinder or favour the return of balance of power politics.

James J. Wirtz

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