Jeremy Black – Introduction To Global Military History 1775 To The Present Day-Routledge Taylor & Francis Group (2025)

“Introduction to Global Military History: 1775 to the Present Day” by Jeremy Black is a comprehensive examination of military history from 1775 to the present. Published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group in 2025, the book offers a broad overview of global military conflicts, strategies, and developments over the last two and a half centuries.

1. Global Perspective: Unlike traditional military histories that often focus on Western conflicts, Black’s work provides a truly global perspective. He covers military developments across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, offering insights into how different regions influenced and were affected by global conflicts.
2. Chronological Coverage: The book is organized chronologically, starting from the late 18th century with the American Revolutionary War and moving through the Napoleonic Wars, the World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts. This structure allows readers to understand the evolution of military tactics, technology, and international relations over time.
3. Technological and Tactical Developments: Black discusses how advancements in technology have shaped warfare, from the introduction of rifled guns and machine guns to the use of nuclear weapons and drones. He also examines changes in military tactics and strategies, including the shift from large-scale battles to guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency.
4. Political and Social Context: The book places military history within the broader context of political, economic, and social changes. Black explores how wars have influenced, and been influenced by, factors such as nationalism, imperialism, and the global balance of power.
5. Contemporary Relevance: The final sections of the book focus on modern conflicts, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and cyber warfare. Black emphasizes the continuing importance of understanding military history to make sense of current global security issues.