The Influence of Airpower upon History

Statesmanship, Diplomacy, and Foreign Policy since 1903

By: Robin Higham, Mark Parillo, Richard B. Myers USAF - Ret.

Narrated by: Todd A Wilson

From early zeppelins, to the Luftwaffe and the Enola Gay, to the unmanned aerial vehicles of today, air power has long been regarded as an invaluable instrument of war. However, nations have employed aircraft for many other purposes as well; they provide security and surveillance, and they are vital to myriad diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Air power has become a means for statesmen to advance a variety of goals, opening up new possibilities and problems in times of peace as well as war.

The Influence of Air Power upon History examines the many ways in which aviation technology has impacted policymaking since 1903. It analyzes air strategy in nations around the world and explores how a country's presumed technological capability, or lack thereof, has become a crucial aspect of diplomacy. Together, the essays in this insightful volume offer a greater understanding of the history of military force and diplomatic relations in the global community.

©2013 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This outstanding collection of essays delves into the complex nature of airpower in its first century and illustrates its profound impact on national growth and strategy. Highly recommended." (John B. Lundstrom, author of Black Shoe Carrier Admiral)

"A significant contribution to the fields of aviation history, military history, and defense policy... This is essential reading for student and scholar and also will be of interest to buffs." (Kenneth P. Werrell, author of Death from the Heavens: A History of Strategic Bombing)

" The Influence of Airpower upon History is an important book for scholars of aviation history." ( Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs)

Adequate survey, poor narration.

By and large, this was a satisfactory survey of air power. However, there were some weaknesses. The narrator sounded like a computer-generated voice and was therefore distracting. Also, the inclusion of the essay by Rene De La Pejadra diminished the overall quality of the book. Pejadra spent most of his time bashing the United States and praising Castro, rather than discussing air power. Nonetheless, the remainder of the essays adequately discussed air power.