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'British intervention in Sierra Leone represented an important milestone in shaping the future of Britain’s foreign and security policy and Andrew Dorman’s book provides the first real in-depth study of this event and its longer term consequences. This is an impressive tome that demonstrates how important the humanitarian agenda became for the Blair Government. Equally important, is the rich detail he provides concerning the planning and conduct of the actual military operation, and the problems that arose between the military and their civilian masters. This is a remarkably good study of a military campaign and the wider politics that surrounded it.' Warrren Chin, King's College London, UK 'Blair's Successful War is a critical and compelling account of Britain’s armed intervention in Sierra Leone. This expert assessment is essential reading for those interested in the political, diplomatic and military dimensions of the conflict, and for those examining the doctrine and practice of armed intervention during the Blair government.' Paul Cornish, Chatham House, UK 'During his period in office, Tony Blair deployed British forces on more operations than any other prime minister since the Second World War. The British intervention into Sierra Leone in 2000 was arguably his most successful use of military force. In his insightful book, Dr Andrew Dorman dissects the political and military dynamics behind the Sierra Leone operation, drawing on unprecedented access to the key players in the unfolding operation. The mission to Sierra Leone was important in itself but Dr Dorman shows how, despite its success, the mission anticipated many of the institutional failings which would undermine British efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr Dorman brilliantly illuminates the way in which the lack of clear political guidance from No. 10, inadequate cross-departmental coordination and inter-service rivalry compromised the mission. In the event, Dr Dorman shows how the British

'British intervention in Sierra Leone represented an important milestone in shaping the future of Britain's foreign and security policy and Andrew Dorman's book provides the first real in-depth study of this event and its longer term consequences. This is an impressive tome that demonstrates how important the humanitarian agenda became for the Blair Government. Equally important, is the rich detail he provides concerning the planning and conduct of the actual military operation, and the problems that arose between the military and their civilian masters. This is a remarkably good study of a military campaign and the wider politics that surrounded it.' Warrren Chin, King's College London, UK 'Blair's Successful War is a critical and compelling account of Britain's armed intervention in Sierra Leone. This expert assessment is essential reading for those interested in the political, diplomatic and military dimensions of the conflict, and for those examining the doctrine and practice of armed intervention during the Blair government.' Paul Cornish, Chatham House, UK 'During his period in office, Tony Blair deployed British forces on more operations than any other prime minister since the Second World War. The British intervention into Sierra Leone in 2000 was arguably his most successful use of military force. In his insightful book, Dr Andrew Dorman dissects the political and military dynamics behind the Sierra Leone operation, drawing on unprecedented access to the key players in the unfolding operation. The mission to Sierra Leone was important in itself but Dr Dorman shows how, despite its success, the mission anticipated many of the institutional failings which would undermine British efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr Dorman brilliantly illuminates the way in which the lack of clear political guidance from No. 10, inadequate cross-departmental coordination and inter-service rivalry compromised the mission. In the event, Dr Dorman shows how the British were able to achieve a successful outcome only because of an able operational commander (Brigadier David Richards, now the CGS) and favourable regional politics.' Tony King, Exeter University, UK 'The case of Sierra Leone...has remained obscure to the general public, but in more specialist circles the series of UK operations has stood out as a successful example of how relatively small numbers of well-trained troops can play a decisive role in bringing a longstanding war to an end. Andrew Dorman's useful new book provides us with the most detailed scholarly account of these missions to date.' International Affairs 'Any reader with an interest in the planning and execution of expeditionary operations has much to gain from a close reading of Blair's Successful War. Recommended.' Australian Defence Journal

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Andrew M. Dorman is Senior Lecturer, Defence Studies Department, King's College London based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK

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