Perceptions of time contributed to recent Western military failings
The "decline of the West" is once again a frequent topic of speculation. Often cited as one element of the alleged decline is the succession of prolonged and unsuccessful wars-most notably those waged in recent decades by the United States. This book by three Danish military experts examines not only the validity of the speculation but also asks why the West, particularly its military effectiveness, might be perceived as in decline.

Edited by Sten Rynning; Olivier Schmitt and Amelie Theussen

Contents:

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: "Civic Militarism" and the Trajectory of Western Power: The Western Experience in Balancing Liberal and Military Virtues

1. The Modern State Rise and Decline of Civic Militarism

2. Making Time an Ally: Uncovering the Perils of Tactical Military Speed

3. Benefit or Burden? NATO-led Military Missions and Western Cohesion

4. The Future of the West: What If the United States Pulls Out of NATO?

Part II: Western Perceptions of Time and the International Normative Order: A Normative Order under Pressure

5. Civilian Casualties and Contemporary Coalition Operations: The Case of Afghanistan

6. Conflicting Norms of Intervention: When and How to Use Military Force?

7. In the Shadows: The Challenge of Russian and Chinese Gray Zone Conflict for the West

8. Competing Norms: What If China Takes Control of Djibouti to Protect Its People?

Part III: Military Operations and Temporality: Speed, Time, and Western Military Power

9. Fighting, Fast and Slow? Speed and Western Ways of War

10. War at Information Speed: Multi-Domain Warfighting Visions

11. The Limits of Technology: The Impact of Speed and Innovation on Western Military Primacy

12. Military Operations: What If Digital Technologies Fail on the Battlefield

Conclusion

Contributors

Index