Category Archives: History

Defining a terrorist organisation is interesting

Proscribing Palestine Action makes them terrorists. This ‘feels’ wrong. Terrorists, like Hamas, slaughter and try to change governments by violence. On 7th October 2023, Hamas slaughtered 1200+ Israelis, provoking a war. In Britain, The Troubles, dominated daily life for forty … Continue reading

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The Winning Culture Explained

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My perfect dinner guest: Les Dawson

Les would have to be partial to a takeaway, since myculinary skills are somewhat limited. The person I’ve chosen would, Ithink, be happy at the prospect of joining me for a portion of cod, chipsand mushy peas, just about the … Continue reading

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War Studies: Falklands War, 1982 ~ The price of pride

The Falkland Islands in 1982 had a dwindling, ageing population.1 Worse: they were of no economic or strategic importance for the UK. Falklanders were excluded from British citizenship in 1981 by Margaret Thatcher. She wanted to off-load them. Thatcher’s solution … Continue reading

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Prince Harry: why he’s disappointed

“The Heir and the Spare—there was no judgment about it, but also no ambiguity. I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy. I was summoned to provide … Continue reading

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War Studies: Judaea 70-135 CE (AD)

Colonial powers occupy countries without waiting for an invitation. Even though they are out-numbered, they succeed by using brute force. Key areas are garrisoned which are necessary. Unfortunately, garrisons become a focus for hostility and a cycle of violence. Once … Continue reading

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Book Review: James O’Brien ~ How they broke Britain (2024)

James is a superb radio talk show host on LBC. He’s perceptive and insightful and listens to people who are uninformed in comparison to him. Although he’s combative he is prepared to discuss issues. A star no less. His book … Continue reading

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War Studies: British naval supremacy ended on the 10th December 1941

A 136 years of the Royal Navy’s global supremacy ended with the sinking of the battleship, Prince of Wales and battle cruiser, Repulse by the Japanese. Neither the Admiralty, or politicians, understood that British naval domination was shaky beforethis débâcle. … Continue reading

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War Studies: Crimea, 2014: Might is right

“Might makes right” has been described as the credo of totalitarian regimes.1 The doctrine was first developed by the Ancient Greeks, “justice is nothing else than the interest of the stronger”….”2 The Russian invasion of Crimea was an audacious example of ‘might is right’. … Continue reading

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Book Review: Lucy Hughes-Hallett ~ The Scapegoat: The brilliant brief life of the duke of Buckingham (2024

Lucy is a brilliant biographer. She uses her vivid writing skills to paint a picture of people and period. Her chapters range from a single page to full-scale analysis. The book includes stunning colour plates of some the 17th century’s … Continue reading

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