“Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army” by Jeremy Scahill [BOOK REVIEW]
“Blackwater” by Jeremy Scahill is a gripping exposé that unveils the rise and controversial activities of Blackwater, a private military contractor. Through extensive investigative journalism, Scahill sheds light on the company’s expansion, its influence in global conflicts, and the ethical implications of privatizing warfare. This eye-opening book raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and the impact of mercenaries on international security.
About the Author:
Jeremy Scahill is an American investigative journalist, author, and co-founder of The Intercept. He is known for his in-depth reporting on war, international politics, and corporate influence. Scahill’s work focuses on exposing the hidden aspects of warfare and shedding light on the consequences of privatizing military operations. He has received numerous awards for his reporting and is considered an authority on the subject.
Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army [BOOK SUMMARY]
“Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army” by Jeremy Scahill is a thought-provoking and deeply researched investigation into the private military contractor known as Blackwater. Scahill reveals the origins, growth, and controversial actions of this powerful corporation, offering a critical examination of the privatization of warfare.
The book starts by tracing the roots of Blackwater, founded by Erik Prince, a wealthy entrepreneur and former Navy SEAL. Scahill explores the company’s rapid rise to prominence, fueled by lucrative government contracts in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“A crackling expose”
New York Times Book Review
Scahill delves into Blackwater’s involvement in numerous military operations, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. He uncovers incidents of excessive force, civilian casualties, and alleged war crimes committed by Blackwater personnel, raising important ethical and legal concerns.
Through firsthand accounts and extensive research, Scahill exposes the close ties between Blackwater and the U.S. government, as well as the role the company played in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He highlights the implications of relying on private military contractors and the erosion of traditional military accountability and oversight.
“[Scahill] is a one-man truth squad”
Bill Moyers
The author also investigates the controversial practices and corporate culture within Blackwater, shedding light on allegations of misconduct, lack of accountability, and a disregard for international law. Scahill explores the financial interests and political connections that allowed Blackwater to operate with impunity and influence global conflicts.
“Blackwater” also examines the consequences of relying on mercenaries for security and the implications for international relations and global security. Scahill raises critical questions about the privatization of warfare and the responsibility of governments to uphold ethical standards in military operations.
“[An] utterly gripping and explosive story”
Naomi Klein, The Guardian
In summary, “Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army” by Jeremy Scahill is a gripping exposé that uncovers the unsettling reality of the private military contractor industry. Scahill’s investigative journalism provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of Blackwater’s rise to power, its controversial actions, and the broader implications of privatizing warfare. This book serves as a call for greater accountability, transparency, and ethical considerations in the realm of private military contractors.
Takeaways of the Book:
- Privatization of Warfare:
“Blackwater” highlights the dangers and ethical implications of outsourcing military operations to private companies. Scahill explores how the use of mercenaries blurs the lines between legitimate military operations and profit-driven enterprises.
- Corporate Influence:
The book delves into the close relationship between Blackwater and the US government, revealing the extent of corporate influence in shaping military policy and operations. Scahill explores the revolving door between Blackwater executives and government positions, highlighting the potential conflicts of interest.
- Consequences of Unaccountability:
“Blackwater” exposes the lack of accountability and oversight faced by private military companies. The book highlights the legal and ethical challenges in holding these companies responsible for their actions, particularly in cases of human rights abuses and civilian casualties.
Related Books:
- “The Dogs of War” by Frederick Forsyth
- “Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry” by P.W. Singer
- “The Modern Mercenary: Private Armies and What They Mean for World Order” by Sean McFate
- “Licensed to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror” by Robert Young Pelton
- “Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror” by Erik Prince
- “The Prince of War: Billy Graham’s Crusade for a Wholly Christian Empire” by Cecil Bothwell
Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army [BOOK DETAILS]
FROM AMAZON: The groundbreaking bestselling expose of the shadowy mercenary army that perpetrated horrific war crimes in America’s name.
On September 16, 2007, machine gun fire erupted in Baghdad’s Nisour Square, leaving seventeen Iraqi civilians dead, among them women and children. The shooting spree, labeled “Baghdad’s Bloody Sunday,” was neither the work of Iraqi insurgents nor U.S. soldiers. The shooters were private forces, subcontractors working for the secretive mercenary company, Blackwater Worldwide, led by Erik Prince.
Award-winning journalist Jeremy Scahill takes us from the bloodied streets of Iraq to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans to the chambers of power in Washington, to reveal the frightening new face of the U.S. military machine, and what happens when you outsource war.
My Goodreads Review:
Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy ScahillMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Scary thought about mercenaries being legalized as private military contractors.
The book is an exposé of the controversial private military company Blackwater and its impact on modern warfare. The author offers a compelling narrative that raises crucial ethical and legal questions about the privatization of military operations.
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