In 1961, the U.S. launched a failed operation to topple the regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba. What became known as the 'Bay of Pigs Invasion' was a flashpoint of Cold War tension between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. and an example of the challenges of using covert action as a diplomatic tool.
The conclusion of the Cold War saw the once familiar and often predictable state of world affairs enter a new state of uncertainty or 'disarray'. In "A World in Disarray", experienced US diplomat Richard Haass reviews recent events and offers solutions and challenges for the US in the 21st century.
In the 1980s, the US Marine Corps adopted a new doctrine of maneuver warfare, known today as "Warfighting". Experienced leaders of the Vietnam era sought to overcome the shortfalls of an attritionist mindset in their ranks. But has this doctrine stood the test of time? Will it need further revision?
The American Civil War, World War I, and World War II have all been described as modern manifestations of total war. Are all three conflicts examples of total war?
Antoine Jomini developed theories of war, but aspects of his theory have been disproven over time due to changes in technology and the evolution of warfare and politics.
Imaginative meditation on Scripture is prayer with Scripture. It is meeting God through the story. This short article will you an appreciation of how to become a participant in the story, and continue in the story in your heart, mind, imagination, spirit and body after the reading ends.
In 1903, the Royal Marines dedicated a memorial to the dead of recent wars. It was as much a statement of rememberance as it was to remind the public and the government of the contribution of their service. This article briefly examines how and why the monument was established and its legacy.
The participation of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines in the Boer War is not well known. Examine the Royal Navy and Royal Marines' experiences in the war and how their legacy was interpreted.
A synopsis of the plot and brief discussion of the setting for this gripping new suspense novel - combines sailing, murder, intrigue, and detailed descriptions of exciting locations.
This article offers a short history of the US Marine Corps through 10 iconic battles across the history of the Corps.
By the early 19th century, Britain was awarding medals to its soldiers for participation in military campaigns. Compared to most European states of the period, Britain was one the last to offer medals for valor to the ordinary fighting man with the Victoria Cross. But how did it change over time?
In Victorian Britain, the image of the soldier was scrutinized in a wider societal debate over social decay and the suggestion that military service was a cure for societal ills. This article examines the problematic representations of the British soldier at the end of the Victorian period.
The image of the ordinary soldier has historically been plagued with ambiguity. Until the 19th century, soldiers were seen to be derived from the dregs of society, necessary but unpopular. By the 20th century and new patriotic spirit, 'Tommy' had a chance for an improved image.
Until the 20th century, Britain had always prided itself on a professional army without the need for mass mobilization or conscription. The Boer War of 1899-1902 and its needs for manpower, changed the landscape of military service, as well the perceptions of army service among ordinary people.
Interested in Scotch Whisky? Have you been looking to get into single malt scotch, or perhaps expand your repertoire? This article covers one of the finest in the range, the Old Pulteney 12 year.
Politics and society in Europe experienced considerable changes in values and ideas, ushering in a wave of reforms. Among these were changes to the culture of European armies, and in particular to the officer class. This article focuses on reforms to the British army purchase system.
'Chacha' is the name for the distilled spirit or pomace wine from the winemaking process in the Republic of Georgia. Produced widely in Georgia, the spirit is less well-known outside the region. This article introduces the spirit with a few notes on production, taste, and where to find it.
In the early 1960s, two films explored the fears of Western Cold War audiences about the threat of Communism and nuclear war: The Manchurian Candidate (1962) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). This is a brief consideration of how satire played a role in both films about Cold War anxieties.
St Ignatius de Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian best remembered for his founding of the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. His philosophy, teachings, and writings are the foundations of Ignatian spirituality. This article briefly considers some of its key ideas.
The prophet Amos came from humble beginnings, but his wisdom is timeless. This article analyses key lessons for our times from Amos and what we may learn from them.
The 'miracle' at Dunkirk and the evacuation of British troops from France in 1940 is the stuff of legend. But how accurate is it, and how aware of the real circumstances were British people? This article looks at two early British films and what they said about Dunkirk.
The Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 has received new attention from historians. But have historians captured the experiences of the soldiers accurately, or have these been glossed over with facts and data? This article considers some of the recent scholarship.
This quiz will give you 10 samplings of prayers from religious faiths with a short quiz after each - see if you can guess where each comes from!
George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, was a favorite of King Charles I of England. His rapid rise and fall to unpopularity inspired some to do him harm. This is the story of the most notorious murder in Portsmouth, England.
Much attention has been paid by historians to the First World War on land, but the high seas were the scene of many battles, too. Submarine warfare was becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous. This is the story of the sinking of one of the last warships at sea during WWI.
Anger is a normal emotion. It is one of the emotions we bear as being created the image of our Creator. As the Bible tells us, indeed even God himself gets angry! Does that make it right to be angry with God?
Angels are depicted as divine messengers of God. In the Christian tradition, they bring news of joy, warning, and salvation. Here are six examples of depictions of angels in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Medals have long fascinated collectors and historians alike. The Waterloo Medal of 1816 was the first British military campaign medal issued to all ranks of soldiers after the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.