Nations in Arms: Five Armies That Made Europe

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A critical study of five historical armies that makes a compelling case for how contemporary armies should be reformed to deal with modern threats.

The most important task of any government remains the defence of its state and its citizens. Traditionally governments have used armed forces to do this. World events and comparative peace in Europe since 1989 have led most European governments to lose their focus on defence. However, recent events have proved that war is now as nasty, violent, destructive and prevalent as it has ever been, and governments need fundamentally to re-think their relationship with armies and soldiers.

History gives us several examples of states who have reconstructed their armies successfully, both on the field of battle but also in terms of how they relate to the state which it is their duty to protect, and this book is about five armies who have adapted successfully: the 4th-century Roman army of Constantine the Great; The 15th-century Ottoman army of Sultan Mehmet II; Cromwells New Model Army of the English Civil War; the Prussia Army of the Napoleonic Wars; and the US Army of the Second World War.

Former soldier and renowned military historian Barney White-Spunner draws lessons from their experience to establish long-standing principles that are as relevant today as they were in the 4th century. It is a book about armies, their loyalties, their organisation and their soul.

Reviews

Nations in Arms is a remarkable book, written by one of our very best military historians... It is a great read for historians that rings alarm bells for policy-makers. * Michael Clarke, Visiting Professor of Defence Studies, King's College London *
Clearly written and convincingly argued, this stylish synthesis represents a call to arms by one of our most distinguished soldiers and historians. * Tim Bouverie, author of 'Allies at War' *
General White-Spunners thoughtful, well-written, occasionally witty but above all profoundly wise book reminds us how focusing on specific periods of history can cast penetrating light on the nature both of warfare and the human condition. With our current uncertainties over Western security, it is also incredibly timely. * Andrew Roberts, author of 'Churchill: Walking with Destiny' *

Author Bio

Barney White-Spunner commanded British and allied troops on operations at every level from troop to division, was policy director in the Ministry of Defence, commanded on operations within the US Army, restructured the British Army for Afghanistan and commanded the British Field Army. As a military historian he has written Horse Guards (2006), Of Living Valour (2015), Partition (2017) and Berlin (2021). He has been President of the Society for Army Historical Research for the past 14 years.