Korea: Where the American Century Began: Michael Pembroke:
Product details
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books (February 1, 2018)
Language: English
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Product description
This lucid book should be compulsory reading for anyone who wonders how the situation on the Korean peninsula has deteriorated to the point it is today. It demonstrates the truth of the axiom that unless you know the history, you cannot see the future. The failed invasion of North Korea by US-led forces in late 1950 and the unrelenting three-year long bombing campaign of North Korean cities, towns and villages - `every thing that moved [and] every brick standing on top of another' - help explain why the Pyongyang regime is, and always has been, determined to develop a credible nuclear deterrent. As Alistair Horne once said so wisely `How different world history would have been if MacArthur had had the good sense to stop on the 38th parallel. The first Korean War became the first of America's failed modern wars; and its first modern war with China. It established the pattern for the next sixty years and marked the true beginning of the American century - opening the door to ever-increasing military expenditure; launching the long era of expanding American global force projection; and creating the dangerous and festering geopolitical sore that exists in Northeast Asia today. Washington has not learned the lessons of history and we are reaping the consequences. Michael Pembroke's timely book tells the story of the Korean peninsula with compassion for the people of the North and South, understanding and insight for the role of China and concern about the past and present role of the United States.
About the Author
Michael Pembroke is a writer, historian, naturalist and the author of the acclaimed historical biography Arthur Phillip - Sailor, Mercenary, Governor, Spy (2013).
He was educated at the Universities of Sydney and Cambridge, is the son and the father of army officers, and has lived and travelled extensively throughout the world, including in East Asia.
His father, an infantry platoon commander during the Korean War, was awarded the Military Cross for his role in a battle described as 'one of the finest battalion attacks in British history'.
The research for this book has taken Pembroke to Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang, Washington DC, Princeton and Cambridge.
In 2016, he travelled through North Korea from the Yalu River to the Demilitarised Zone.
He has been a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales since 2010.
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5.0 out of 5 starsIntelligent, thoughtful, provocative
ByJohn Lon May 15, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Having been reared in an era in Australia when American doctrine was presented as historic fact, it is certainly enlightening to read such an intimate and depressing account of Korea's true fate post 2nd WW.
While ultimately with Vietnam more insightful journalism finally exposed the tragic consequence of US ideological Asian warfare, I expect that many don't see Korea in those terms.
Even more tragically, there is still no resolution in sight, with the current president still trying to push that historically failed idea that bravado/ patriotism will somehow outsway diplomacy every time, even when there is no apparent threat to a country's territory or way of life.
What is also disturbing is that this account of decision making, and overriding or ignoring international treaties to pursue a selfish ideological agenda, keeps being repeated - in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan.. Where next? Thanks for a great informative read
Helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsIt is a bigger story than Korea!!
ByBill Don April 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I had heard Michael Pembroke talk about his father and the "forgotten war" on the radio. As I grew up with former soldiers from both second world war and Korean war, I heard many of their stories as a child. We had a photo at home from another "forgotten war", an uncle in the Boer War. I studied the causes of war with Geoffrey Blainey at Melbourne University, as well as "Australians at War" in my third year. The history of any war is that it is never straight-forward nor predictable.
Thus, with his personal connection and good story telling skills, I was curious, surprised and delighted when reading his insights into the Korean conflict. I started reading the book and could not put it down. It was not an "official" history, nor was it propaganda that pushed a cause. It just told a story of how one country could have such a huge influence on another. Further, it caused me to pause and think about the bigger current questions of US-China relations.
(PS. I would love the author to write a similar book on Iraq.)
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5.0 out of 5 starsKorea. Great book.
ByKenon June 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Great book. Easy to read.Appears to be well researched. A lot of detail. Shocking reflection on American attitudes and hubris. Too often we see world events clouded by our Western view and acceptance of the self righteous views of our friends from the USA. Public attitudes towards North Korea (and America) may well change if people were to read this book.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA 'must read' which details the events leading up to ...
ByJeremy Rabieon April 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A 'must read' which details the events leading up to the Korean war, the war itself, and subsequent events. The book is important for understanding how we got to where we are today, and highlights the interests of those involved within the relevant context. Pembroke is clear, concise and most relevant for a clearer view of the prospects for war or peace.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA well written and timely history of Korea post World War II
ByMargaret Brazelon July 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I learnt so much about post WW2 history, political machinations and global power by reading this book. The writing is clear and easy to understand. I have already recommended the book to friends and have suggested my local library purchase it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA superb read.
ByOlive K Wardon June 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The military-industrial complex that powers the US form of democracy is well described in this book and beware any nation that tries take stand up to it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsOur history as a vassal of Britain and the US
ByJohn O.on February 27, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Well written. Bravery on demand for the ‘great’ powers. We will never learn and if we were to do so could never prevail
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5.0 out of 5 starsThat context is too often missing from contemporary analyses of the current crisis and it is a reminder that countries are better led by people who are curious
Byterence goldingon February 17, 2018
This measured and scholarly book sets out clearly the dreadful moral failures of the American leadership after the second world war. The tragedy of the Korean peninsular after that war is put in the context of the long and proud history of the Korean peoples. That context is too often missing from contemporary analyses of the current crisis and it is a reminder that countries are better led by people who are curious, have a taste for history, are wise and balanced.
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----
5.0 out of 5 starsIntelligent, thoughtful, provocative
ByJohn Lon May 15, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Having been reared in an era in Australia when American doctrine was presented as historic fact, it is certainly enlightening to read such an intimate and depressing account of Korea's true fate post 2nd WW.
While ultimately with Vietnam more insightful journalism finally exposed the tragic consequence of US ideological Asian warfare, I expect that many don't see Korea in those terms.
Even more tragically, there is still no resolution in sight, with the current president still trying to push that historically failed idea that bravado/ patriotism will somehow outsway diplomacy every time, even when there is no apparent threat to a country's territory or way of life.
What is also disturbing is that this account of decision making, and overriding or ignoring international treaties to pursue a selfish ideological agenda, keeps being repeated - in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan.. Where next? Thanks for a great informative read
Helpful
Not Helpful|Comment|Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsIt is a bigger story than Korea!!
ByBill Don April 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I had heard Michael Pembroke talk about his father and the "forgotten war" on the radio. As I grew up with former soldiers from both second world war and Korean war, I heard many of their stories as a child. We had a photo at home from another "forgotten war", an uncle in the Boer War. I studied the causes of war with Geoffrey Blainey at Melbourne University, as well as "Australians at War" in my third year. The history of any war is that it is never straight-forward nor predictable.
Thus, with his personal connection and good story telling skills, I was curious, surprised and delighted when reading his insights into the Korean conflict. I started reading the book and could not put it down. It was not an "official" history, nor was it propaganda that pushed a cause. It just told a story of how one country could have such a huge influence on another. Further, it caused me to pause and think about the bigger current questions of US-China relations.
(PS. I would love the author to write a similar book on Iraq.)
--------------
5.0 out of 5 starsKorea. Great book.
ByKenon June 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Great book. Easy to read.Appears to be well researched. A lot of detail. Shocking reflection on American attitudes and hubris. Too often we see world events clouded by our Western view and acceptance of the self righteous views of our friends from the USA. Public attitudes towards North Korea (and America) may well change if people were to read this book.
---
5.0 out of 5 starsA 'must read' which details the events leading up to ...
ByJeremy Rabieon April 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A 'must read' which details the events leading up to the Korean war, the war itself, and subsequent events. The book is important for understanding how we got to where we are today, and highlights the interests of those involved within the relevant context. Pembroke is clear, concise and most relevant for a clearer view of the prospects for war or peace.
---
5.0 out of 5 starsA well written and timely history of Korea post World War II
ByMargaret Brazelon July 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I learnt so much about post WW2 history, political machinations and global power by reading this book. The writing is clear and easy to understand. I have already recommended the book to friends and have suggested my local library purchase it.
----
5.0 out of 5 starsA superb read.
ByOlive K Wardon June 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The military-industrial complex that powers the US form of democracy is well described in this book and beware any nation that tries take stand up to it.
----
5.0 out of 5 starsOur history as a vassal of Britain and the US
ByJohn O.on February 27, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Well written. Bravery on demand for the ‘great’ powers. We will never learn and if we were to do so could never prevail
----
5.0 out of 5 starsThat context is too often missing from contemporary analyses of the current crisis and it is a reminder that countries are better led by people who are curious
Byterence goldingon February 17, 2018
This measured and scholarly book sets out clearly the dreadful moral failures of the American leadership after the second world war. The tragedy of the Korean peninsular after that war is put in the context of the long and proud history of the Korean peoples. That context is too often missing from contemporary analyses of the current crisis and it is a reminder that countries are better led by people who are curious, have a taste for history, are wise and balanced.
----
5.0 out of 5 starsA fascinating story about not only Korea but The US ...
ByIan Berstenon March 16, 2018
Format: Paperback
A fascinating story about not only Korea but The US and Russia post WWll showing how misunderstanding and misreading the situation by a few individuals changed the course of history in Korea and the world in general. Everything now makes a lot more sense than it ever did.
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