A grim, but fascinating pageant. This is the story of the world's armies from the end of the Second World War - their development and progress, their objectives and performance, and their strategies and politics.

The book explores in particular the interaction and integration of new technologies with military tactics and strategies throughout a period both stable and volatile - the nuclear arsenal created an uneasy East-West stalemate, while the former colonies of the great powers saw intense and often violent upheaval. During this time armies have had to cope with changing weapons systems, new enemies and shifting political situations.

The information is organized into five historical 'snapshots' each of about a decade, which examine the history and development of the armies country by country. The performance of the armies in various conflicts is assessed and through this different paths of development are validated or repudiated. World-wide trends are also identified and projected into the twenty-first century.

The increasing technological growth and sophistication of the world's armies and the computerization of warfare will doubtless ensure an ever-developing role for national armed forces in the future. This is an invaluable study for the army officer, defence strategist, historian and informed enthusiast alike.