On the Psychology of Military Incompetence by Norman F. Dixon
8.5 out of 10The British military had many successes, yet the newsworthy blunders require some analysis. Crimea + Boer War + mutinies in India + Afghanistan's Great Game + lessons learned in the 1st World War, and still being unprepared for the 2nd + the quick loss of Singapore.
Some soldiers and generals may be stupid (though so may be some psychologists) + feelings of inferiority + antifemininization + organizational defects + aggressive impulses + mindless drills and rituals + extreme focus on cleanliness and uniformity + status, snobbery, pride, and prejudice + fear and anxiety + rigid structure and strict procedures + a nutty pile of b.s.
I liked the author's modesty and thoughtfulness.