Title: Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army
Author: Jeremy Scahill
First published January 1, 2007
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781846686306 (ISBN10: 184668630X)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Introducing BLACKWATER: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army, a gripping investigation into the shadowy private military company that operates beyond the reach of government oversight. With headquarters nestled deep in the North Carolina wilderness, Blackwater has quickly become a global force capable of executing regime change on a whim.
But what is the true extent of their reach and influence? From protecting top US officials in Iraq to carrying out covert operations in Afghanistan and the US, Blackwater has remained shrouded in mystery – until now.
Jeremy Scahill, one of America’s most daring investigative journalists, delves deep into the dark underbelly of this powerful mercenary army. At the heart of it all is Erik Prince, an ex-Navy Seal and right-wing fundamentalist Christian mega-millionaire, whose wealthy conservative family bankrolls far-right-wing causes.
Scahill takes readers on a heart-pumping journey, from the blood-soaked streets of Fallujah to rooftop firefights in Najaf, to the hurricane-ravaged US Gulf and even to Washington DC, where Blackwater executives are hailed as new heroes in the war on terror. This groundbreaking expose is a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden worlds of private military contractors and their impact on global politics.
About the Author
Meet Jeremy Scahill, an investigative journalist from the United States who has made a name for himself by shedding light on the use of private military companies. He is the mastermind behind the widely popular book, Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army, which earned him a George Polk Book Award.
Scahill is a multifaceted personality and also serves as a correspondent for a prominent US radio and television program. He is a Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute and frequently contributes to their publications.
Editoral Review
Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy Scahill is a groundbreaking investigation into the world of private military contractors, shedding light on their growing power and influence in modern warfare. Scahill is an investigative journalist and the author of several books on American foreign policy, including the acclaimed Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield.
In Blackwater, Scahill takes readers on a journey through the history of the private military industry, starting with Blackwater USA, a controversial company that rose to fame during the war on terror. The book explores the origins and expansion of the company, their involvement in wars around the world, and their impact on American foreign policy.
The narrative is gripping and eye-opening, revealing the inner workings of a shadowy industry that has largely gone unnoticed by the public. While the plot of Blackwater is non-fiction, the book reads like a political thriller, with Scahill serving as the intrepid detective uncovering the truth behind this opaque and little-understood industry.
The main characters are the executives, soldiers, and mercenaries of Blackwater, whose actions and motivations are explored in depth. The setting is the world stage, with the book examining conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
The central conflict is the clash between private military contractors and traditional armed forces, revealing the tensions and ambiguities of modern warfare. Scahill’s book has significant historical and cultural significance, offering a timely and important analysis of the military-industrial complex at a time when the United States is engaged in multiple conflicts around the world.
It also has relevance to current controversies such as the use of private contractors in the United States’ border policies or its lack of transparency in military spending, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, business, and war. The book is a masterful piece of investigative journalism, with Scahill’s rigorous research and attention to detail shining through on every page.
The writing is engaging and accessible, making complex subjects comprehensible without sacrificing nuance or accuracy. The characters are vividly drawn, with their flaws and foibles adding depth and humanity to the story.
The pacing is brisk, with the book advancing the narrative while still taking time to explore the larger geopolitical context. Blackwater is a highly recommended read both for fans of investigative journalism and for anyone interested in the modern military landscape.
It is a riveting, eye-opening exploration of a little-understood industry that has profound implications for global politics and security. It is an essential contribution to the field of journalism and a must-read for anyone with an interest in American foreign policy.
While the book is by no means perfect, with some dry sections and occasional tangents into less pressing issues, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Scahill’s journalistic skills are on full display here, and his contributions to our understanding of the private military industry cannot be overstated.
Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy Scahill receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5. The book is well-written, well-researched, and highly informative, making it a valuable addition to any reader’s library.
While its focus may be narrow and its subject matter controversial, Blackwater is an essential read for anyone interested in military history, global politics, or investigative journalism.