Ways of War or Ways of Battle?

Singapore, 1 April 2008

Today, I had a class on “The Revolution in Military Affairs”, where I had to present a summary of this week’s readings on the ways of war–these include John Keegan’s History of Warfare, Victor David Hanson’s Carnage and Culture, along with smaller pieces by US military strategists.

What was interesting about today’s class was the argument that war, contrary to my Clausewitzian mind, was nothing more than a “cultural expression” (Keegan). Granted that Keegan clearly either misintepret Clausewitz or didn’t actually read On War–or both. But the idea that “culture” defines war and warfare is an intriguing argument.

Politicizing military history: A monumental mistake

Evan A. Laksmana

The Jakarta Post, 12 March 2009

Last Friday, President Yudhoyono, while officiating the latest war monuments in Jakarta, asked that all of us cherish and reflect on Indonesia’s military history, reminding us that while we may prefer “soft power”, we should also be “ready for war”.

Here, the three monuments were meant to commemorate our “struggles” with Malaysia, East Timor and the Dutch.

Some notes can then be offered here.

Reforming recruitment policy to aid RI’s budget (uncut version)

Evan A. Laksmana

Singapore, 21 November 2008

 

Vice President Jusuf Kalla recently remarked during IndoDefence Expo 2008 that the strengthening of Indonesia’s defense sector by prioritizing operational readiness and main weapons system remains a national imperative.

 

This statement however does not explicitly acknowledge the underlying problem of an under-funded military. The possible takeover of TNI businesses and the aging weaponry displayed during the Marine Corps anniversary last week are examples of how crucial insufficient defense budget is.

 

Are we simply cursed with an everlasting under-funded military?