![]() Not just the art of war, based on classic examples from world war campaigns and the most recent Ukraine war, but also the craft of war which has evolved through the ages of civilisation. ‘What stands out in this wonderfully curated book is the smooth logical flow of complex issues related to “fighting a war”. Johnny Mercer MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs If the leaders, generals and statesmen had read this book, they might not have been.’ - The Rt Hon. ‘Almost all of the wars that have been fought over the last thirty years have been unsuccessful. How to Fight a War is for statesmen, diplomats and generals to keep by their side when conflict beckons.’ - Lieutenant General Douglas Chalmers (CB, DSO, OBE), Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, 2018-2021, and Master of Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge In this easy-to-read book Mike Martin strips away much of its technical characteristics and reminds us that war is determined by some basic tenets that only a fool ignores. Charles Clarke, former MP, Home Secretary (2004–06) ‘At a time of high geopolitical worry and risk this book sets out clearly the complex considerations-too often insufficiently assessed-which ought to inform any decision, by anyone, about going to war.’ - The Rt Hon. ‘Colourful, punchy, admirably challenging and clear-essential reading for every soldier, officer and General.’ - General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, British Army How to Fight a War shows that behind the complex horrors of conflict lie simple and enduring truths about humankind.’ - Sir Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK Beyond the commentariat, politicians would equally do well to become acquainted with War 101.’ - Diplomatic Courier Refreshing one’s recollections of the basics of war or simply encountering them for the first time, would make for far more enlightened and productive discussions. ![]() ![]() ‘Many of today’s pundits, journalists, and so-called “experts” would do well to put down their phones, give their thumbs a rest, and pick up Martin’s How to Fight a War. How to Fight a War is also written in an engaging style, rich in personal and historical anecdote, that lays out complex issues in an absorbing and logical way.’ - Financial Times ‘An illuminating and enjoyable account of warfare and guidelines to achieve lasting peace. It should be read by everyone seeking to understand today’s wars, as well as those wishing to lead us through the coming decades of conflict. How to Fight a War explains the unavoidable, yet seemingly elusive, art of using violence to force your enemies to do what you want. In cool and precise prose, he outlines how to orchestrate military forces, from infantry to information, and from strategy to tactics. This not only wastes the lives of civilians, the enemy and one’s own soldiers, but also fails to achieve geopolitical objectives, and usually lays the seeds for more wars down the line.Ĭonflict scholar and former soldier Mike Martin takes the reader through the hard, elegant logic to fighting a conclusive interstate war that solves geopolitical problems, and reduces future conflict. Has any war in history gone according to plan? Monarchs, dictators and elected leaders alike have a dismal record on military decision-making, from over-ambitious goals to disregarding intelligence, terrain, or enemy capabilities.
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