Download or read book The Dragons and the Snakes written by David Kilcullen and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020-02-04 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just a few years ago, people spoke of the US as a hyperpower-a titan stalking the world stage with more relative power than any empire in history. Yet as early as 1993, newly-appointed CIA director James Woolsey pointed out that although Western powers had "slain a large dragon" by defeating the Soviet Union in the Cold War, they now faced a "bewildering variety of poisonous snakes." In The Dragons and the Snakes, the eminent soldier-scholar David Kilcullen asks how, and what, opponents of the West have learned during the last quarter-century of conflict. Applying a combination of evolutionary theory and detailed field observation, he explains what happened to the "snakes"-non-state threats including terrorists and guerrillas-and the "dragons"-state-based competitors such as Russia and China. He explores how enemies learn under conditions of conflict, and examines how Western dominance over a very particular, narrowly-defined form of warfare since the Cold War has created a fitness landscape that forces adversaries to adapt in ways that present serious new challenges to America and its allies. Within the world's contemporary conflict zones, Kilcullen argues, state and non-state threats have increasingly come to resemble each other, with states adopting non-state techniques and non-state actors now able to access levels of precision and lethal weapon systems once only available to governments. A counterintuitive look at this new, vastly more complex environment, The Dragons and the Snakes will not only reshape our understanding of the West's enemies' capabilities, but will also show how we can respond given the increasing limits on US power.

Download or read book In the Coils of the Snake written by Clare B. Dunkle and published by Henry Holt and Company (BYR). This book was released on 2006-12-26 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "What is the spell for?" Miranda asked curiously, stepping close beside him to squeeze through the first ring of trees. She didn't know of any goblin spells that used flowers unless they were crushed like herbs. "Do you really want to know?" murmured the elf absently, looking up at the dark crowns of the ancient oaks. "Yes," she said. She had always liked magic. He glanced back down at her then. "It's for you," he said. And the instant they passed the great trunks, his hand closed over her wrist. The powerful final volume of the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy Miranda has waited her whole life to come home to the goblin kingdom, but she never imagined she'd feel so alone there. Her beloved Marak, the center of her world since childhood, has reached the end of his reign. But Marak didn't raise a coward. Miranda needs all her courage when a mysterious elf lord takes her prisoner, reigniting an age-old battle. Caught between two hostile races, she becomes their greatest reason for war—and their only hope for a future. In this final volume of the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy, Clare B. Dunkle draws readers deep into her magical realm for one last incredible story.

Download or read book Serpent Mage written by Margaret Weis and published by Spectra. This book was released on 2009-02-19 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After the four worlds Alfred has at last found his people on Chelstra, the realm of sea. But his travels have taught him to be cautious... and Alfred soon realizes his caution is justified, even among his own kind. The one person Alfred can trust is, strangely, Haplo the Patryn. But Haplo's lord has decreed all Sartan to be the enemy, and Haplo dares not go against his lord. Now the companions have arrived in a land where humans, elves, and dwarves have learned to live in peace. Unaware of an even greater threat to all the realms, it is Sartan and Patryn who will disrupt this alliance of the lesser races in their struggle to gain control of all four worlds. Only Alfred and Haplo realize that they have a much older -- and more powerful -- enemy than each other...

Download or read book The Dragons and the Snakes written by David Kilcullen and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2020 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book applies concepts from evolutionary science and military innovation to explore how state and nonstate adversaries of the Western powers have learned to defeat (or render irrelevant) the model of high-tech, expensive, precision warfare pioneered by the United States in 1991 and globally dominant since. The book begins with a historical overview of the period since the Cold War, framed by CIA Director James Woolsey's 1993 comment that "we have slain a large dragon" (the Soviet Union) "but now we find ourselves in a jungle filled with a bewildering variety of poisonous snakes, and in many ways the dragon was easier to keep track of." The book describes the selective pressures acting on adversaries as a result of the evolutionary fitness landscape created by western military dominance. It then explores ideas from social and evolutionary science - including social learning, natural selection, artificial selection, predator effects, and the distinction between concept-led peacetime innovation and wartime coevolution - to explain how adversaries adapt. It presents a series of case studies on nonstate actors (including Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Islamic State), Russia, and China, as well as sections on North Korea and Iran. The book concludes by considering how western powers can respond to the increasing ineffectiveness of their military model and examines likely strategic futures.

Download or read book Drakon written by Daniel Ogden and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2013-02-28 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume explores the dragon or the supernatural serpent in Graeco-Roman myth and religion. It incorporates analyses, with comprehensive accounts of the rich literary and iconographic sources, for the principal dragons of myth, and discusses matters of cult and the paradoxical association of dragons and serpents with the most benign of deities.

Download or read book King Cobra vs Komodo Dragon written by Jon Alan and published by Gray Duck Creative Works. This book was released on 2019-06-17 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It’s fight time for the king cobra and the Komodo dragon! One animal is The Hooded Villain, and the other animal is The Salivating Attacker. Both fighters rise up for a challenge. But which one will be crowned champion of the Hissing Fit?

Download or read book Blood Year written by David Kilcullen and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2014, a resurgent and bellicose Russia took over Crimea and fueled a civil war in Eastern Ukraine; post-Saddam Iraq lost a third of its territory to an army of hyper-violent millennialists; and the peace process in Israel seemed to completely collapse. In short, the post-Cold War security order that the US had constructed after 1991 seemed to be coming apart at the seams. David Kilcullen was one of the architects of America's strategy in the late phases of the second Gulf War, and he has also spent time in Afghanistan and other hotspots. In Blood Year, he provides a wide-angle view of the current situation in the Middle East and analyzes how America and the West ended up in such dire circumstances. Kilcullen lays much of the blame on Bush's initial decision to invade Iraq (which had negative secondary effects in Afghanistan), but also takes Obama to task for simply withdrawing and adopting a "leading from behind" strategy. As events have proven, Kilcullen contends, withdrawal was a fundamentally misguided plan. The U.S. had uncorked the genie, and it had a responsibility to at least attempt to keep it under control. Instead, the U.S. is at a point where administration officials state that the losses of Ramadi and Palmyra are manageable setbacks. Kilcullen argues that the U.S. needs to re-engage in the region, whether it wants to or not, because it is largely responsible for the situation that is now unfolding. Blood Year is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding not only why the region that the U.S. invaded a dozen years ago has collapsed into utter chaos, but also what the U.S. can do to alleviate the grim situation.

Download or read book The Year of the Snake written by Oliver Chin and published by Immedium. This book was released on 2012-11-27 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Suzie wants to prove to everyone that snakes have what it takes! This helpful serpent’s misison to rewrite social stereotypes celebrates the new year. Suzie is a young serpent who seeks high-flying adventure. The girl Lily befriends the snake, much to her grandparents' chagrin. However, Suzie aims to shed others' negative perceptions of snakes. Can she prove her versatility to Lily's family and the neighboring animals? And what will Suzie do when the wisest choice is to lie low? 2013 was The Year of the Snake. When others doubt her, can Suzie show that an adaptable attitude can overcome all obstacles? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Suzie’s rollercoaster ride to discover her true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, lovers of serpents and dragons. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "The book is gorgeously illustrated by Jennifer Wood in lush pastels... The heartwarming story about overcoming misconceptions resounds in any culture. It also doesn’t hurt that the heroine is playful and enjoys being a little girl’s jump rope. Despite the scales and fangs, Suzie is a snake with a heart of gold". - Sampan "In The Year of the Snake, Chin has managed to weave an adventurous story of friendship and acceptance into an important cultural lesson about the Chinese Zodiac... As a Teacher Librarian, I am continually searching for books that have a positive message as well as captivating illustrations, and The Year of the Snake is just that! - Julie Griffin, Palo Alto Unified School District, CA

Download or read book The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer written by Andrew David Naselli and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although a story with a serpent, a damsel in distress, and a serpent slayer may sound like just another fairy tale, it is, in fact, part of the greatest true account ever told—the Bible. Epic tales resonate with readers because they echo the greatest story. In this new addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Andrew David Naselli traces the theme of snakes and dragons from the serpent in the garden to the devouring dragon in Revelation, culminating with the return of the King. New and seasoned Christians alike will experience afresh the captivating unifying narrative behind all stories as they embark on a journey through the Bible with a trusted biblical scholar.

Download or read book Poisonous Snakes written by Seymour Simon and published by StarWalk Kids Media. This book was released on 2012-10-01 with total page 79 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are more than 250 kinds of poisonous snakes, and this illustrated book tells where they live, what they eat, and how they behave. It also reveals which snakes pose no danger to humans, how snakes are "milked," how anti-venom is made, and what to do if you're bitten.

Download or read book Korean Proverbs written by Bruce K. Grant and published by Salt Lake City : Moth House ; Seoul : Wu Ah Dang. This book was released on 1982 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book An Instinct for Dragons written by David E. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-05-06 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Download or read book Black Snake written by Carole Wilkinson and published by Walker Books Australia. This book was released on 2014-02-01 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Part of the award-winning Young Adult non-fiction series, The Drum. “Everyone looks on me like a black snake.” – Letter from Ned Kelly to Sergeant Babington, July 1870. Ned Kelly was a thief, a bank robber and a murderer. He was in trouble with the law from the age of 12. He stole hundreds of horses and cattle. He robbed two banks. He killed three men. Yet, when Ned was sentenced to death, thousands of people rallied to save his life. He stood up to the authorities and fought for what he believed in. He defended the rights of people who had no power. Was he a villain? Or a hero? What do you think?

Download or read book The Snake in the Glass written by Bruno Caporrimo and published by Author House. This book was released on 2010-07-09 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Year of the Dragon written by Oliver Chin and published by Immedium. This book was released on 2011-12 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dominic the dragon befriends a boy named Bo as well as the other eleven animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and helps them enter the annual village boat race. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

Download or read book Masters of Spinjitzu LEGO Ninjago Reader written by Tracey West and published by Scholastic Inc.. This book was released on 2014-01-28 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lego Ninjago toys are a hit with boys 5 - 9! Scholastic's books are based on the popular Cartoon Network series. Cole, Jay, Kai, and Zane have come together for a mission -- to defeat Lord Garmadon! But first, they must recover the Golden Weapons that were hidden so long ago. With Sensei Wu's help, they find the weapons. But can they get past the fiery guardian?

Download or read book Don t Wake the Dragon written by Bianca Schulze and published by Clever Publishing. This book was released on 2020-05-19 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Don’t Wake the Dragon is a fantastic and interactive bedtime story featuring a sound-asleep dragon who under no circumstances is to be woken up! Children are tasked with checking in on the sleeping dragon as the castle cook drops his pots and pans and when the knights throw a loud birthday party. It isn’t until the whole kingdom settles down that the dragon wakes up. What is the kingdom to do? Designed to be read aloud and interacted with, parents will take pleasure in the playful text as much as children will enjoy gently rocking the book from side to side as they sing the dragon a lullaby. When the story finally comes to an end, and the gentle lullaby is repeated, the dragon (and the child!) is encouraged to drift off to sleep. The whimsical and colorful illustrations enable the dragon to jump off the page and will delight the reader with its humor and personality on every page. Creates a wonderful bedtime ritual with children that they will look forward to every night.