The Other Face of Battle

The Other Face of Battle explores the American experience in "irregular" and "intercultural" wars, shedding light on conflicts often overlooked due to their lack of clear victories. Focusing on the Battle of Monongahela (1755), the Battle of Manila (1898), and the Battle of Makuan, Afghanistan (2020), authors David Preston, David Silbey, and Anthony Carlson examine how American soldiers faced enemies that rejected Western military conventions. These nightmarish wars challenge traditional notions of purpose in combat, highlighting the importance of understanding the roots of asymmetrical warfare in today's context.