Beating Goliath: Why Insurgencies Win
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Overview
Beating Goliath examines the phenomenon of victories by the weak over the strong-more specifically, insurgencies that succeeded against great powers. Jeffrey Record reviews eleven insurgent wars from 1775 to the present and determines why the seemingly weaker side won. He concludes that external assistance correlates more consistently with insurgent success than any other explanation.
Make no mistake: insurgent victories are the exception, not the rule. But when David does beat Goliath, the consequences can be earth-shattering and change the course of history.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Beating Goliath is a small book that packs a big wallop. Jeffrey Record's explanation as to why insurgencies pose such a daunting challenge for powerful nations—especially for the United States—is succinct, incisive, and compelling.""Through solid research and astute analysis, Dr. Record demonstrates that the United States is 'not particularly good' at precisely the type of armed conflict it expects to encounter in coming decades—counterinsurgency. This idea has immense repercussions for future American strategy. All policymakers, scholars, and citizens concerned with U.S. security should grapple with the implications of Beating Goliath."