Arrogance on the Battlefield

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This study of personality in warfare seeks to demonstrate that arrogance, in its many forms, has been as much a route to defeat as any false strategy, weak position or inferior armaments. It provides many examples, from Edward Braddock at Monongahela River in 1755 to Saddam Hussein in the Gulf. The author shows more than 17 cases where over-confidence, unwarranted belief in numerical or weaponry strength, a false sense of destiny, racial or class superiority and regimental elitism brought about a defeat. He includes Burgogne, Custer, MacArthur, Bull Run, Pearl Harbour and Dien Bien Phu. This intriguing study of personality in warfare demonstrates how human nature has corrupted sound thinking and tactics.