Thomas Richardson, "Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

Thomas Richardson, "Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

Author: Marshall Poe August 2, 2026 Duration: 40:23
Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Dive into the complex and vibrant realities of the African continent through its latest scholarship. New Books in African Studies, part of the broader New Books Network founded by Marshall Poe, offers a space where authors and academics engage in substantive, accessible conversations about their newest work. Each episode pairs a researcher with a knowledgeable host for a deep exploration of a recently published book, moving beyond simple summaries to unpack the arguments, the research journeys, and the contemporary relevance of these studies. You’ll encounter discussions that span history, politics, social movements, artistic expression, and the intricate dynamics of culture and place, reflecting the podcast’s wide-ranging scope. This channel transforms dense academic writing into lively dialogue, making cutting-edge thought available to anyone curious about Africa’s past and its pressing present. Tuning in provides a direct line to the scholars shaping the field, offering listeners a chance to grapple with fresh perspectives and nuanced analyses. It’s an intellectual resource that respects the listener’s intelligence, fostering a deeper understanding of a region too often simplified. For anyone with an interest in scholarly discourse, global affairs, or simply learning from experts in genuine conversation, this podcast serves as an invaluable and consistently engaging audio library.
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