James Bowden, M.A. - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by James Bowden, M.A.
H-War , 2024
The Cave of the Warrior, cave 13, in the Judean desert, has been discussed in limited numbers of ... more The Cave of the Warrior, cave 13, in the Judean desert, has been discussed in limited numbers of articles and publications. The archery finds in this cave have not received extensive examination and have not been subjected to analysis that is much greater than bare technical aspects. This article uniquely exclusively examines the archery finds from an interpretative perspective. The article breaks down each of the categories; the bow, the arrows, the ritual 'killing', and the variance of this type of weapon with that represented in the greater cultural zone. Through the presentation of this evidence, the article reveals that the interpretations that have been previously applied to the archery material, that the warrior was from either Egypt or Judea, are questionable when examined through careful consideration of a broad range of evidence that includes Levantine and Mesopotamian examples. The article also strongly suggests that, given the unique nature of the find and its isolation from other forms of warfare and burial, the occupant was buried in the location partially on the basis of discrimination.
Saber and Scroll, 2014
This article examines the warfare among the various city-states of lower Mesopotamia and argues t... more This article examines the warfare among the various city-states of lower Mesopotamia and argues that, based on political changes and the emergence and submergence of city-states in their relationships to each other, the period commonly referred to as the Early Dynastic ought to be re-nomenclatured as the Hegemonic Period, giving voice to the struggles for power in the region.
Archaeological Diggings, 2013
This article briefly explores three key findings at Tell Brak. It is a magazine article which was... more This article briefly explores three key findings at Tell Brak. It is a magazine article which was published during my first years as a historian.
H-Net / H-War , 2015
Before entering into this review I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for having the opportu... more Before entering into this review I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for having the opportunity to review a work that focuses on the ancient Near East. The book under review does not focus on military history but it can serve as an entrée into understanding the communication networks and practices that will aid in such a study of war in the ancient Near East and into understanding issues that are difficult to decipher.
H-Net / H-War , 2015
A review of the above titled book.
H-Net / H-War , 2022
This essay is designed to be an introduction to issues that remain in the field of archery, parti... more This essay is designed to be an introduction to issues that remain in the field of archery, particularly Near Eastern archery, and connecting the technical aspects of archery studies and linking them with the social and military importance of archery. One key research question that has gone unexplored in the field of Near Eastern archery is the status of the archer not only within the respective militaries in which it was used but also the status of the archer amongst peer groups and normal social relations.
Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Gre... more Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Greater Middle East region into a defensive buffer zone. It looks at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and peninsular nations as merely the first circle of concentric foreign policy zones that need to be managed differently with the chief goal constantly in mind. This posture is key in preventing Western, anti-Islamic, or different Islamic forces from reaching its territory whether these are in the form of sectarian, ideological, or social movements that threaten to undo traditional Saudi values and standards of Islamic practice. This defensive foreign policy means that Saudi Arabia is not only continually engaged in foreign affairs and is highly active in world diplomacy but that it is also more aggressive and less tolerant of rebuff. Most foreign policy analysis of Saudi Arabia centers on the issues of oil and Iran; however, with this perspective it is easier to see that it is more likel...
Bowden Intelligence Group, 2022
This pamphlet is designed to introduce foreign travelers to the idea of how to avoid being ejecte... more This pamphlet is designed to introduce foreign travelers to the idea of how to avoid being ejected from countries and how to deal with internal security / intelligence agencies of foreign governments while living abroad. It offers advice to business professionals, students, and those working abroad for general purposes. It is an introductory pamphlet and additional questions may be directed to the source.
World Community and Arab Spring, 2018
Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Gre... more Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Greater Middle East region into a defensive buffer zone. It looks at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and peninsular nations as merely the first circle of concentric foreign policy zones that need to be managed differently with the chief goal constantly in mind. This posture is key in preventing Western, anti-Islamic, or different Islamic forces from reaching its territory whether these are in the form of sectarian, ideological, or social movements that threaten to undo traditional Saudi values and standards of Islamic practice. This defensive foreign policy means that Saudi Arabia is not only continually engaged in foreign affairs and is highly active in world diplomacy but that it is also more aggressive and less tolerant of rebuff. Most foreign policy analysis of Saudi Arabia centers on the issues of oil and Iran; however, with this perspective it is easier to see that it is more likely that these are aspects or tools of their foreign policy rather than the sum total of their objective.
Elite Journal , 2013
This journal article reviews the economic division between Kuwaiti citizens and foreigners, ex-pa... more This journal article reviews the economic division between Kuwaiti citizens and foreigners, ex-pats. While foreigners generally do not carry the same job opportunities in most countries, Kuwait's system is uniquely divided and closed off so that most foreigners are unable to work anything but menial, low wage jobs while Kuwaiti citizens are guaranteed white-collar, upper class level positions.
University Journal of Military History , 2020
This article explores the importance and reliance that rulers in the Canaanite-Levantine region a... more This article explores the importance and reliance that rulers in the Canaanite-Levantine region attached to archery during the Amarna period. It argues that the Amarna Letter correspondence of these kings reveals a dependency on archery that was unmatched by Egypt and that was unique, especially in this period. The title phrase of the article or some form of it, "send the archers" is found in the Amarna Letters 84 times. The article demonstrates how this was an exceptional number of requests which far exceeded any request for any other form of military weapon assistance, including troops or chariots, which was minimal and often asked for until archers could arrive. The article examines several representative Amarna letters, both from the International correspondence of the kings outside of Canaan and the Levant and those in Canaan and the Levant, and uses these to demonstrate the contrast between the Canaanite king's perception and that of the Egyptians and those outside of the region in regards to the use of archers. The examination considers both sides of the correspondence as well as touching on the importance that chariotry had in New Kingdom Egyptian military philosophy and how it came to eclipse other forms of military arms. The article looks at annals, iconographic and orthostatic representations of Egyptian military campaigns to demonstrate that there was a preponderance of reliance on the chariot in the Egyptian military mentality that was not shared by the Canaanites or the Levantine rulers. Canaanite kings sought after the protection of Pharaohs Amenophis III and Amenophis IV (also known as Akhenaten) archers and regularly sent requests asking for their support in facing down an invasion or insurrection of the 'Apiru. These requests were
Many of the Amarna Letters record the desperate pleas for help from rulers of vassal states aroun... more Many of the Amarna Letters record the desperate pleas for help from rulers of vassal states around Canaan, besieged by rivals and bandits-and the ensuing complaints when pharaoh seemingly turns a deaf ear. Other letters come from the kings of the great powers of the Near East to foster the bonds of brotherhood between rulers. The letter above records the very beginning of one of those relationships. In the 14th century b.c., Assyria rose as a dominant power in the northern part of Mesopotamia, in modern Iraq. In this letter, Ashur-uballit, the king of Assyria (ca. 1365-1330 b.c.), reaches out with a personal message and offers gifts to the Egyptian pharaoh (probably Akhenaten) to establish relations, seek recognition for his status, and find out what Egypt was like. The letter (EA 15) reads in part, Ashur-Uballit's "friend request" worked. A later letter (EA 16) records the Assyrian king's pleasure at having received an Egyptian envoy, as well as him asking for gold as a measure of their friendly relations: "If your purpose is graciously one of friendship, send me much gold." Yep, Ashur-Uballit was getting needy.
Ancient Warfare Magazine , 2011
Ancient Egypt Magazine , 2020
P haraoh Sheshonq I (variously spelled Sheshonk or Shoshenq) has occupied a position in the shado... more P haraoh Sheshonq I (variously spelled Sheshonk or Shoshenq) has occupied a position in the shadowlands of Egyptian history. Ruling from the Delta city of Bubastis (Per-Bast) c. 945-924 BC during the Third Intermediate Period, he is thought by some scholars to be the pharaoh "Shishak" named in the Bible. His legacy and impact appear to be more frequently invoked by scholars of the Old Testament and in Canaanite studies, but Sheshonq's place in Egyptian history should be in 20 ANCIENT EGYPT
Journal of International Affairs, 2017
Pierre Razoux, a French defense analyst, has authored what may become the standard account of the... more Pierre Razoux, a French defense analyst, has authored what may become the standard account of the Iran-Iraq War. His book, “The Iran-Iraq War” is a detailed examination of this, one of the longest wars in history and certainly the longest in the Middle East. Although there are a few books that deal with individual aspects or theaters in this war, the book adds substantially to the fairly limited historiography on this subject as a whole and does so by addressing many of the areas that previous authors have only touched on in passing. Razoux does not approach the war from a particular thesis and there was no discernable effort to put one forth and develop it through the history. Whereas some of the other older books on this topic have taken stances on the war or covered the Iranians or Iraqis with lesser or greater nuance and detail, it appears that Razoux has managed to combine the two in a dispassionate narrative. This holds at least until it comes to one of the last chapters in th...
Kuwait’s foreign policy in the Arab Spring was to maintain its support of various Arab government... more Kuwait’s foreign policy in the Arab Spring was to maintain its support of various Arab governments financially and diplomatically and appear to be active within the Gulf region and beyond. Its response was geared towards foreign policy by press release, since the moves it made were less substantial than the headlines indicated. Previously, its status as a small Gulf state did not act as a limit to its foreign policy options, but its history has made it wary of overt involvement in events that could spill over into its domestic sphere and produce unmanageable results.
H-War , 2024
The Cave of the Warrior, cave 13, in the Judean desert, has been discussed in limited numbers of ... more The Cave of the Warrior, cave 13, in the Judean desert, has been discussed in limited numbers of articles and publications. The archery finds in this cave have not received extensive examination and have not been subjected to analysis that is much greater than bare technical aspects. This article uniquely exclusively examines the archery finds from an interpretative perspective. The article breaks down each of the categories; the bow, the arrows, the ritual 'killing', and the variance of this type of weapon with that represented in the greater cultural zone. Through the presentation of this evidence, the article reveals that the interpretations that have been previously applied to the archery material, that the warrior was from either Egypt or Judea, are questionable when examined through careful consideration of a broad range of evidence that includes Levantine and Mesopotamian examples. The article also strongly suggests that, given the unique nature of the find and its isolation from other forms of warfare and burial, the occupant was buried in the location partially on the basis of discrimination.
Saber and Scroll, 2014
This article examines the warfare among the various city-states of lower Mesopotamia and argues t... more This article examines the warfare among the various city-states of lower Mesopotamia and argues that, based on political changes and the emergence and submergence of city-states in their relationships to each other, the period commonly referred to as the Early Dynastic ought to be re-nomenclatured as the Hegemonic Period, giving voice to the struggles for power in the region.
Archaeological Diggings, 2013
This article briefly explores three key findings at Tell Brak. It is a magazine article which was... more This article briefly explores three key findings at Tell Brak. It is a magazine article which was published during my first years as a historian.
H-Net / H-War , 2015
Before entering into this review I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for having the opportu... more Before entering into this review I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for having the opportunity to review a work that focuses on the ancient Near East. The book under review does not focus on military history but it can serve as an entrée into understanding the communication networks and practices that will aid in such a study of war in the ancient Near East and into understanding issues that are difficult to decipher.
H-Net / H-War , 2015
A review of the above titled book.
H-Net / H-War , 2022
This essay is designed to be an introduction to issues that remain in the field of archery, parti... more This essay is designed to be an introduction to issues that remain in the field of archery, particularly Near Eastern archery, and connecting the technical aspects of archery studies and linking them with the social and military importance of archery. One key research question that has gone unexplored in the field of Near Eastern archery is the status of the archer not only within the respective militaries in which it was used but also the status of the archer amongst peer groups and normal social relations.
Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Gre... more Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Greater Middle East region into a defensive buffer zone. It looks at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and peninsular nations as merely the first circle of concentric foreign policy zones that need to be managed differently with the chief goal constantly in mind. This posture is key in preventing Western, anti-Islamic, or different Islamic forces from reaching its territory whether these are in the form of sectarian, ideological, or social movements that threaten to undo traditional Saudi values and standards of Islamic practice. This defensive foreign policy means that Saudi Arabia is not only continually engaged in foreign affairs and is highly active in world diplomacy but that it is also more aggressive and less tolerant of rebuff. Most foreign policy analysis of Saudi Arabia centers on the issues of oil and Iran; however, with this perspective it is easier to see that it is more likel...
Bowden Intelligence Group, 2022
This pamphlet is designed to introduce foreign travelers to the idea of how to avoid being ejecte... more This pamphlet is designed to introduce foreign travelers to the idea of how to avoid being ejected from countries and how to deal with internal security / intelligence agencies of foreign governments while living abroad. It offers advice to business professionals, students, and those working abroad for general purposes. It is an introductory pamphlet and additional questions may be directed to the source.
World Community and Arab Spring, 2018
Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Gre... more Saudi Arabian foreign policy is built on a foundation of preserving the state and turning the Greater Middle East region into a defensive buffer zone. It looks at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and peninsular nations as merely the first circle of concentric foreign policy zones that need to be managed differently with the chief goal constantly in mind. This posture is key in preventing Western, anti-Islamic, or different Islamic forces from reaching its territory whether these are in the form of sectarian, ideological, or social movements that threaten to undo traditional Saudi values and standards of Islamic practice. This defensive foreign policy means that Saudi Arabia is not only continually engaged in foreign affairs and is highly active in world diplomacy but that it is also more aggressive and less tolerant of rebuff. Most foreign policy analysis of Saudi Arabia centers on the issues of oil and Iran; however, with this perspective it is easier to see that it is more likely that these are aspects or tools of their foreign policy rather than the sum total of their objective.
Elite Journal , 2013
This journal article reviews the economic division between Kuwaiti citizens and foreigners, ex-pa... more This journal article reviews the economic division between Kuwaiti citizens and foreigners, ex-pats. While foreigners generally do not carry the same job opportunities in most countries, Kuwait's system is uniquely divided and closed off so that most foreigners are unable to work anything but menial, low wage jobs while Kuwaiti citizens are guaranteed white-collar, upper class level positions.
University Journal of Military History , 2020
This article explores the importance and reliance that rulers in the Canaanite-Levantine region a... more This article explores the importance and reliance that rulers in the Canaanite-Levantine region attached to archery during the Amarna period. It argues that the Amarna Letter correspondence of these kings reveals a dependency on archery that was unmatched by Egypt and that was unique, especially in this period. The title phrase of the article or some form of it, "send the archers" is found in the Amarna Letters 84 times. The article demonstrates how this was an exceptional number of requests which far exceeded any request for any other form of military weapon assistance, including troops or chariots, which was minimal and often asked for until archers could arrive. The article examines several representative Amarna letters, both from the International correspondence of the kings outside of Canaan and the Levant and those in Canaan and the Levant, and uses these to demonstrate the contrast between the Canaanite king's perception and that of the Egyptians and those outside of the region in regards to the use of archers. The examination considers both sides of the correspondence as well as touching on the importance that chariotry had in New Kingdom Egyptian military philosophy and how it came to eclipse other forms of military arms. The article looks at annals, iconographic and orthostatic representations of Egyptian military campaigns to demonstrate that there was a preponderance of reliance on the chariot in the Egyptian military mentality that was not shared by the Canaanites or the Levantine rulers. Canaanite kings sought after the protection of Pharaohs Amenophis III and Amenophis IV (also known as Akhenaten) archers and regularly sent requests asking for their support in facing down an invasion or insurrection of the 'Apiru. These requests were
Many of the Amarna Letters record the desperate pleas for help from rulers of vassal states aroun... more Many of the Amarna Letters record the desperate pleas for help from rulers of vassal states around Canaan, besieged by rivals and bandits-and the ensuing complaints when pharaoh seemingly turns a deaf ear. Other letters come from the kings of the great powers of the Near East to foster the bonds of brotherhood between rulers. The letter above records the very beginning of one of those relationships. In the 14th century b.c., Assyria rose as a dominant power in the northern part of Mesopotamia, in modern Iraq. In this letter, Ashur-uballit, the king of Assyria (ca. 1365-1330 b.c.), reaches out with a personal message and offers gifts to the Egyptian pharaoh (probably Akhenaten) to establish relations, seek recognition for his status, and find out what Egypt was like. The letter (EA 15) reads in part, Ashur-Uballit's "friend request" worked. A later letter (EA 16) records the Assyrian king's pleasure at having received an Egyptian envoy, as well as him asking for gold as a measure of their friendly relations: "If your purpose is graciously one of friendship, send me much gold." Yep, Ashur-Uballit was getting needy.
Ancient Warfare Magazine , 2011
Ancient Egypt Magazine , 2020
P haraoh Sheshonq I (variously spelled Sheshonk or Shoshenq) has occupied a position in the shado... more P haraoh Sheshonq I (variously spelled Sheshonk or Shoshenq) has occupied a position in the shadowlands of Egyptian history. Ruling from the Delta city of Bubastis (Per-Bast) c. 945-924 BC during the Third Intermediate Period, he is thought by some scholars to be the pharaoh "Shishak" named in the Bible. His legacy and impact appear to be more frequently invoked by scholars of the Old Testament and in Canaanite studies, but Sheshonq's place in Egyptian history should be in 20 ANCIENT EGYPT
Journal of International Affairs, 2017
Pierre Razoux, a French defense analyst, has authored what may become the standard account of the... more Pierre Razoux, a French defense analyst, has authored what may become the standard account of the Iran-Iraq War. His book, “The Iran-Iraq War” is a detailed examination of this, one of the longest wars in history and certainly the longest in the Middle East. Although there are a few books that deal with individual aspects or theaters in this war, the book adds substantially to the fairly limited historiography on this subject as a whole and does so by addressing many of the areas that previous authors have only touched on in passing. Razoux does not approach the war from a particular thesis and there was no discernable effort to put one forth and develop it through the history. Whereas some of the other older books on this topic have taken stances on the war or covered the Iranians or Iraqis with lesser or greater nuance and detail, it appears that Razoux has managed to combine the two in a dispassionate narrative. This holds at least until it comes to one of the last chapters in th...
Kuwait’s foreign policy in the Arab Spring was to maintain its support of various Arab government... more Kuwait’s foreign policy in the Arab Spring was to maintain its support of various Arab governments financially and diplomatically and appear to be active within the Gulf region and beyond. Its response was geared towards foreign policy by press release, since the moves it made were less substantial than the headlines indicated. Previously, its status as a small Gulf state did not act as a limit to its foreign policy options, but its history has made it wary of overt involvement in events that could spill over into its domestic sphere and produce unmanageable results.