First book of UNG Press partnership with AUSA set for July 21 release

July 6, 2020

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Press has formed a publishing partnership with the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Book Program, and the first book of the partnership will be released in July.

"Beyond Vom Kriege: The Character and Conduct of Modern War," by R. D. Hooker Jr., comes out July 21 with a foreword by former National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster. Hooker, a former White House Fellow, offers a firsthand account of global conflicts and strategies across six presidential administrations.

"The University of North Georgia's partnership as a senior military college with the AUSA Book Program further expands our academic engagement with those seeking to contribute to a better understanding of military affairs and strategic studies," said Dr. Billy Wells, a retired Army colonel who is UNG's senior vice president for Leadership and Global Engagement.

The technology of warfare has changed since Carl von Clausewitz's "Vom Kriege" was first published, but the fundamental nature of warfare is still the same. Hooker's book furthers Clausewitz's theory of war by offering a firsthand account of global conflicts and strategies that influence American national security strategy.

"It's a really strong book to start off with," said Jillian Murphy, assistant managing editor for UNG Press. "It provides extensive context to people who are interested in this field."

Hooker is a university professor and the Theodore Roosevelt Chair in National Security Affairs at the National Defense University (NDU). He served three stints as a director and senior director with the National Security Council, as director for the Institute for National Strategic Studies at NDU, and as dean of the NATO Defense College in Rome. Hooker served for 30 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and received the Defense Superior Service Medal in his role as White House Fellow.

As an AUSA Book Program partner, the UNG Press will aid AUSA's educational mission by producing high-quality books to be designated as "AUSA Books." These books will address such subjects as military land power and land warfare history, technology, combat, and strategy and tactics. This curated collection will serve to educate members of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, the AUSA, U.S. government officials, and the public.

"This is a natural partnership for us at UNG with our strong military tradition," said Dr. BJ Robinson, director of UNG Press.

To further these goals, AUSA will promote UNG Press's AUSA Books by linking them to AUSA's website, listing them in AUSA publications as a member benefit, and reviewing them in Army Magazine or other AUSA publications.

A scholarly, peer-reviewed press, UNG Press's primary function is to promote education and research, with a special emphasis on innovative scholarship and pedagogy. Through their partnership with Affordable Learning Georgia and eCore, the UNG Press is the leading press in Georgia for producing Open Educational Resources and Open Textbooks, saving students more than $12 million annually.

"Beyond Vom Kriege" costs $24.99 and is a 6-by-9-inch perfect-bound paperback. Wholesalers can purchase copies from Ingram; individuals can purchase copies from their favorite independent bookstore and other major retailers. More details can be found at the UNG Press website.

UNG is one of six federally designated senior military colleges in the nation and is The Military College of Georgia. Its nationally recognized Army ROTC program attracts students from across the state, region and nation.

AUSA is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America's Army and supporters of a strong national defense.