As the U.S. forces withdraw from Afghanistan, a Taliban victory in that besieged, long-suffering country and the further Talibalization of Pakistan itself have become a real possibility. This book explores why Pakistan has become such a heavily militarized, ideologically driven state, yet remains deeply insecure, weak, and unable to unite itself or pacify its warring ethnic and religious groups.

Putting into question the conventional view that the military is detrimental to democratic development, Dolman provides a multifaceted examination of the institutional incentives of the military and its relations with civilian authorities. Drawing on classical political theory, a wide range of historical examples, and statistical findings, The Warrior State argues that the military can facilitate democracy as the result of specific norms and conditions that focus on individual action. Ironically, this may be best inculcated through a focus on the offensive, precisely the military doctrine commonly seen as most likely to result in international conflict. The paradox of offensive strategies possibly increasing international conflict while also enhancing democracy, which is supposed to decrease such conflict, from a core of this provocative book.

Provides a radically new interpretation of the political makeup of the Qing Empire, grounded on extensive examination of the Mongolian and Manchu sources.