Farrell, Theo, Sten Rynning, and Terry Terriff

Farrell et alSummary
This book provides an authoritative account of how the US, British, and French armies have transformed since the end of the Cold War. All three armies have sought to respond to changes in their strategic and socio-technological environments by developing more expeditionary capable and networked forces. Drawing on extensive archival research, hundreds of interviews, and unprecedented access to official documents, the authors examine both the process and the outcomes of army transformation, and ask how organizational interests, emerging ideas, and key entrepreneurial leaders interact in shaping the direction of military change. They also explore how programs of army transformation change over time, as new technologies moved from research to development, and as lessons from operations were absorbed. In framing these issues, they draw on military innovation scholarship and, in addressing them, produce findings with general relevance for the study of how militaries innovate.

  • Wholly original and deeply researched case studies provide a ‘statement of record’ for how armies have changed since the Cold War
  • Examines three major military innovations across three armies, providing comparative perspective on innovation and army transformation
  • Reflects on implications for policy and theory, drawing out broader lessons for the future of land power and for the study of how militaries innovate