Security Studies Prof Publishes New Book on George Marshall

Published through University of Oklahoma Press, Taylor’s book highlights George C. Marshall’s critical role in the early Cold War. Though best known for his central part in the American war effort from 1939-45, Marshall was at least as important in shaping the policies and politics of the postwar western world – and in cementing his place as a pivotal figure in 20^th century American history. This book examines his tenure in key policymaking positions, including Army chief of staff, special presidential envoy to China, secretary of state and secretary of defense, among others. 

Dr. William Taylor As editor, Taylor brings together a diverse and accomplished group of scholars – including military, diplomatic and institutional historians – to explore how Marshall, Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” in both 1943 and 1947 and the 1953 Nobel Peace Prize winner, molded debates on all the major issues of his day, such as universal military training, China’s civil war, an independent air force, the National Security Act of 1947, nuclear weapons, European Recovery Program, North Atlantic Treaty, Korean War, and racial integration of the U.S. military.

With a focus on Marshall’s public service at the intersection of American policy, politics and society, the authors provide a comprehensive historical account of his central role in shaping America during a tumultuous yet formative period in the nation’s history. Their work fills a void in the scholarship of American military history and American history generally, providing context for the consideration of broader questions about American power and the place of the military within American society.

“George C. Marshall and the Early Cold War” is available in paperback and e-book through University of Oklahoma Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online booksellers.

An ASU faculty member since 2011, Taylor has published three previous books:

• “Contemporary Security Issues in Africa” (2019)
• “Military Service and American Democracy: From World War II to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars” (2016)
• “Every Citizen a Soldier: The Campaign for Universal Military Training After World War II” (2014) – Won a 2015 Crader Family Book Prize Honorable Mention.

Taylor is also editor of the book series, “Studies in Civil-Military Relations,” through the University Press of Kansas. He has also contributed to 19 other books and has published more than 80 reference articles and book reviews.

To fund his book research, Taylor has won 14 national fellowships and research grants. He won the 2019 ASU President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Leadership/Service, the 2016 ASU President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Research/Creative Endeavor and the 2016 Texas Tech University System Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Award. His books are housed in more than 1,150 libraries throughout the U.S. and in more than 40 countries.