Global Communications Since 1844: Geopolitics and Technology

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Summary: Intriguing perspective of technology and world politics.
Review: Dr. Hugill presents his synthesis of how technology has affected political primacy in the world during the 19th and 20th centuries. While an avid disciple of Halford Mackinder, the renowned British geographer, he also realizes the importance of Mahan in helping shape 20th century geopolitics. The main thrust of his book is a novel approach to how technology has been a much more important part of the geopolitical equation than many previous scholars have given it credit for. According to Dr. Hugill, it was communications that was the decisive factor in the defeat of Germany in both World Wars. The technological lead held by the British in communications proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Germans to overcome during the First World War. Another topic emphasized by Dr. Hugill is radar. He posits that radar was an intergral part of the British "moat" defensive attitude during the second World War. Because of radar the British were able to defeat the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain and stave off British defeat. Germany's failure to properly adapt radar to their own defensive severely limited their ability to interdict the RAF in its air assault upon Germany. While at first glance some of Professor Huhill's observation's about the political cartoon might appear to be slightly far-fetched, upon deeper reflection it is easy to realize the impact they had upon the population of Great Britain. The sexual image of the Zeppelin assaulting the "virgin" territory must have had an immense psychlogical impact upon an early 20th century audience that is no where as sophisticated as the one pundits pander to in this day and age. Although the price of the hardcover edition might be considered by some to be a little excessive, both graduate students in the history and geography fields will find this a must for their personal libraries as well as those individuals having an interest in both technology and modern geopolitics.