This volume examines not only a number of recent military interventions but the backdrop against which they proved to be either undertaken too late to do the good they could have achieved earlier, or too timid to impact lastingly prospects for positive state-building. This distinguished set of authors presents policy-oriented conclusions highly relevant to debates about preemption, the humanitarian imperative and nation-building that future military and civilian planners would be wise to study and heed.

David M. Malone, president, International Peace Academy

This collection of essays by William Lahneman provides a useful set of case studies and summary reflections on military interventions since the end of the Cold War. The case studies in the volume are exceptionally well executed by senior scholars imbued with both deep awareness of theoretical issues and knowledge of the cases themsevles. [The author's] summary conclusions of the cases are most valuable.

Political Science Quarterly

This volume is a useful addition to the body of work that attempts to bridge the gap between the realms of academic theory and practical application.

Naval War College Review

This is an impressive collection covering the field of intervention in civil conflict; its scope and depth make it a valuable resource for literate policymakers, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and scholars alike. Impressive framing chapters set a high standard for the eight case studies, providing readers with a rich basis for comparative analysis and enabling cross-case and cross-regional conclusions. This study deserves a place in any self-respecting foreign affairs library.

Chester A. Crocker, James R. Schlesinger Professor of Strategic Studies, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University