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So these three needs - imperial defense, home defense, and the maintenance of a balance of power - constantly made their demands on resources of finance and manpower that, even in the high days of empire, could not possibly support all three.
Michael Howard traces this theme through the whole era of the two world wars. His view embraces both the larger issues of diplomacy and strategy and the intricate maneuvers of politicans and service chiefs. He shows how many important events and turns of policy reflected this central dilemma, and his book makes one see large areas of twentieth-century history with fresh insight. In particular, the changing positions of Australia, Canada, and the other Dominions are described with clarity and sympathy.
This book is written with unusual balance and objectivity. Without ever imposing a false simplicity, it succeeds in making a complex story brilliantly clear.