'Why are Western armed forces achieving less and costing more, asks the author. Why, we might add, if the trend continues they seem to be fated to occupy a modest evolutionary niche? Rasmussen has produced not only a lucid, informed and compelling critique of the West's failed military business model but also a set of prescriptions it would be wise to take on board before it is too late.' Christopher Coker, London School of Economics and Political Science

'In this brilliant book, Rasmussen explores why states are getting ever less bang for their bucks. Finding that defence 'shopping lists' have replaced 'strategy', he draws on business studies to show how Western militaries need to be redesigned for the 21st century. In an age of continued austerity, with Europe facing military challenges to the east and the south, this really is an essential read.' Theo Farrell, Head of the Department of War Studies, King's College London

'The Military's Business is both a crash course in military and business strategy and an empirical analysis of historical developments. At its finest, the book manages to apply philosophical terms to mundane phenomena such as defense procurement and management and, in doing so, it makes a number of interesting reflections on how societies think about and utilize their militaries.' Nikolaj K. Andersen, Global Readers' Club (www.globalreadersclub.com)