Beating Goliath

Beating Goliath

Beating Goliath examines the phenomenon of victories by the weak over the strong--more specifically, insurgencies that succeeded against great powers. Jeffrey Record reviews eleven insurgent wars from 1775 to the present and determines why the seemingly weaker side won. He concludes that external assistance correlates more consistently with insurgent success than any other explanation. He does not disparage the critical importance of will, strategy, and strong-side regime type or suggest that external assistance guarantees success. Indeed, in all cases, some combination of these factors is usually present. But Record finds few if any cases of unassisted insurgent victories except against the most decrepit regimes. Having identified the ingredients of insurgent success, Record examines the present insurgency in Iraq and whether the United States can win. In so doing, Record employs a comparative analysis of the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. He also identifies and assesses the influence of distinctive features of the American way of war on the U.S. forces' performance against the Iraqi insurgency. Make no mistake: insurgent victories are the exception, not the rule. But when David does beat Goliath, the consequences can be earth shattering and change the course of history. Jeffrey Record's persuasive logic and clear writing make this timely book a must read for scholars, policymakers, military strategists, and anyone interested in the Iraq War's outcome.

BEATING GOLIATH WITH AI

Small businesses often feel outmatched by competitors with bigger budgets, larger teams, and more resources. Yet history shows that giants do not always win. David beat Goliath because he used a smarter tool and a better strategy. Today, that tool is AI. Beating Goliath with AI gives small business owners a practical way to use artificial intelligence to outthink and outperform much larger competitors. This book is not about technical complexity. It is about learning how to use AI to improve decisions, elevate marketing, streamline operations, and build a brand that customers trust. Gal S. Borenstein, Business Author and CEO of The Borenstein Group, which advises high-growth organizations, provides real examples, clear frameworks, and step-by-step guidance for turning AI into your competitive advantage. You will learn how to use AI to tighten your strategy, modernize your customer experience, strengthen your reputation, and move faster than the companies that once intimidated you. The giants in your market have size. You have speed, focus, and the right strategy. This book gives you the slingshot.

Joint Force Quarterly