True to Their Salt

‘Rob Johnson is becoming a familiar figure in this Journal’s reviews, and deservedly so . . . this is a well-written, almost magisterial treatment of a complex subject.’ 
'This extraordinarily rich, detailed and nuanced volume should be required reading in Western militaries.'
'An important and highly significant book on "burden-sharing" by Western military powers through the hiring of local allies -- at once relevant for history and for current military affairs. Johnson argues forcefully that Western governments’ assumption that they can achieve their aims with airpower and local forces alone is deeply misguided.' -- Jeremy Black, Professor of History, University of Exeter
'"True to Their Salt" is an ambitious "grand narrative? treatment of the nature and experience of indigenous forces recruited by Western powers during the days of empire, and more recently. Embracing a diverse range of case studies, it offers a unique overview that will make it a standard work of reference.' -- Ashley Jackson, Professor of Imperial and Military History, King’s College London; author of 'The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction'
'In a major work Johnson sets out a provocative and compelling case for the use of indigenous forces as a 'force multiplier' in contemporary military operations but as he admonishes, only if we understand the pull/push forces that lead men to enlist, and only if we have the cultural knowledge that will allow us to make the most of this untapped cultural capital.' -- Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science; author of Rebooting Clausewitz: ‘On War’ in the Twenty-First Century
'This book should be read by anyone -- politician, general, journalist or scholar -- who thinks that the current Western approach to conflict in the Middle East is going to result in the stabilisation of the region and the strengthening of allied governments. Johnson expertly dissects how local auxiliaries, Western special forces and airstrikes will not lead to a promised land without a greater investment in understanding the host societies in which the West is trying to operate. An excellent read.' -- Mike Martin, author of 'An Intimate War: An Oral History of the Helmand Conflict'
‘Densely researched and very well documented . . . provides a sharp analysis of the recruitment, deployment, and devolution of local forces in often unorthodox war contexts and security situations.’