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BOOKSHELF

Norman Friedman ’67 fondly remembers his Contemporary Civilization course, taken his first year at the College. “It was the most valuable course I took at Columbia. I wasn’t a political science major, but things learned in CC carried me. It was what mattered.”

Norman Friedman '67

A physics major, Friedman took science and math courses for most of his undergraduate years and eventually earned a physics Ph.D. from Columbia in 1974. Working at an IBM lab, Friedman was on track to becoming a physicist when a Dr. Garwin, a physicist at IBM, introduced him to a career opportunity at the Hudson Institute, a major think tank. For the next 11 years, Friedman concerned himself not with lab work and experiments but with government policies and defense strategies. Although the majority of his College education had not geared him toward this line of work, Friedman succeeded and was grateful that CC had encouraged him to develop an understanding of politics and government.

Friedman did not abandon his science roots, however, as his physics background made him keenly aware of the important impact of technology on government policy. His technical analysis on topics ranging from naval weapons to nuclear strategy has become the trademark of more than 20 books.

With his job demanding frequent trips to Washington, D.C., Friedman pursued his interest in naval history by conducting research at the National Archives and collecting declassified documents. His continued efforts have allowed him to publish books almost yearly since 1978. As a noted naval historian, Friedman has seen his naval design histories come to be regarded as standard reference works. His most recent book in the naval design histories series, U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft ($85, Naval Institute Press), details amphibious ships and craft since the 1920s, including the contributions of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines and the British military to their development and the tactical uses of each ship and craft. The book includes ship plans drawn by A.D. Baker, former editor of The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World.

Seapower as Strategy: Navies and National Interests by Norman Friedman '67

Friedman also has written on policies and strategies in the Cold War and the Gulf War. His upcoming book, Terrorism, Afghanistan, and America’s New Way of War ($29.95, Naval Institute Press; due spring 2003) examines the changes in U.S. tactical and strategic approaches after September 11. He points out that since September 11, the United States has been trying to reverse the notion that it is hesitant to act against those who commit terrorist acts on Americans. He also argues that Osama bin Laden launched the terrorist attack to inspire a worldwide Muslim movement that would result in a pan-Muslim empire.

Friedman’s strong assertions on the motives and actions of the terrorists and the United States are accompanied by technical analysis of U.S. military tactics, including contributions by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps fighting in landlocked Afghanistan. In light of global developments, Friedman hopes to write more on the evolving policies and strategies of the United States in its campaign against terrorism.

Terrorism, Afghanistan, and America's New Way of War by Norman Friedman '67

A lifetime resident of New York, Friedman works as an independent consultant for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and various defense contractors, and writes a monthly column for Proceedings magazine, a Naval Institute publication, as well as other journals worldwide. He has appeared regularly on television as a guest commentator, and he lectures on defense issues at the National Defense University, the Naval War College and the Royal United Services Institute. In 1984, Friedman’s reputation as a noted defense expert and Navy historian helped him to become a consultant to the secretary of the Navy, which he did for the next decade.

Friedman still feels the effect of Contemporary Civilization and notes the importance of a good start in college: “Freshman courses will carry you if they’re excellent. I still benefit from the CC course because it gave me a better understanding of politics, governments and the world.”

More of Friedman’s books can be found on the Naval Institute Press website.

P.K.

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