The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons

Former Senator Hart argues in this treatise the future of national security that 9/11 was an ""opportunity to redefine America's role in the world,"" but one the U.S. is misusing ""by waging preemptive warfare in the Middle East and thus possibly increasing the threat."" Hart proposes the military abandon traditional notions of warfare (""Fast fighters, giant carriers, monster tanks, big missiles"") in favor of increasing the number of special forces units that can be deployed quickly and quietly against insurgents whose organization is akin to ""cancerous cells."" Hart would have the National Guard, no longer required as an invasion and occupation force, recast as a ""homeland security shield."" This is an accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism.