This book describes the crucial period in the monumental eighty-year Dutch struggle against the Spanish Empire, through which a small nation gained its independence from one of the mightiest European powers. Dr. Ridley shows how even though the Dutch Revolt was at its lowest point, Maurits of Nassau and the Dutch fought on and the Revolt survived. It was a turbulent time, with complex diplomacy and shifting alliances, assassination plots, France torn by civil war, Spain spearheading the Counter-Reformation, England facing invasion and Europe eventually convulsed with the Thirty Years' War. In all these, the Dutch Revolt was a significant factor.

The book also explores subsequent insurgencies over the following three centuries where nationalist groups revolted against European powers, and analyzes and identifies essential factors for a successful insurgency. The key roles of finance and international relations in insurgencies are emphasized. This volume will be informative and compelling reading for readers and students of history, international relations, and insurgencies.

About the Author

Nick Ridley, Ph.D., is currently Visiting Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. He has formerly worked as an intelligence analyst with the Metropolitan Police and Europol, has taught at several European universities, and trained police and security forces in Africa and at NATO Centres.

Reviews

"I recommend this book for all students studying security, insurgencies and anti-terrorism."

- Dr. Juul Gooren, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law and Security, The Hague University of Applied Sciences

"This fascinating historical account is rendered all the more valuable by its comparative analysis of various insurgencies and international reactions to them."

- Patrick Sookhdeo PhD, DD, formerly Visiting Professor at Cranfield University and the Defence Academy of the UK, Guest Lecturer at the NATO School, and Adjunct Professor of the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies

"A compelling account of the Revolt, with valuable insight and analysis into insurgencies."

- Tomas Oliver, ex Dutch army intelligence officer and security consultant (DAEL)

Book Information
ISBN 9780367346089
Author Nick Ridley
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 426g