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How to Fight a War
Has any war in history gone according to plan? Monarchs, autocrats and elected leaders alike have a dismal record on launching and prosecuting wars. From pursuing over-ambitious goals, to making decisions without considering intelligence, terrain, morale or the enemy’s capabilities, they have all erred. This not only wastes the lives of civilians, the enemy and one’s own soldiers, but also means a failure to accomplish your objectives.
Conflict scholar and former soldier Mike Martin takes the reader through the hard, elegant logic of how to fight an interstate war on land, including the factors that are often overlooked: the importance of psychology, training, getting the logistics right, and maintaining your esprit de corps. He then explains how to orchestrate the building blocks of military force–from infantry, artillery and air support, to information and cyber warfare–in order to prevail over your adversary.
How to Fight a War explains in cool and precise prose the art of using extreme violence to convince your enemy that they should submit. It should be read by everyone who seeks to understand today’s conflicts and those to come–and by all those who wish to lead us through the next decade of wars.
Conflict scholar and former soldier Mike Martin takes the reader through the hard, elegant logic of how to fight an interstate war on land, including the factors that are often overlooked: the importance of psychology, training, getting the logistics right, and maintaining your esprit de corps. He then explains how to orchestrate the building blocks of military force–from infantry, artillery and air support, to information and cyber warfare–in order to prevail over your adversary.
How to Fight a War explains in cool and precise prose the art of using extreme violence to convince your enemy that they should submit. It should be read by everyone who seeks to understand today’s conflicts and those to come–and by all those who wish to lead us through the next decade of wars.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
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May 25, 2025
這是一本相信大部分人都不想驗證作者內容說的對不對的書，但似乎又不能不關心一下。《如何打贏戰爭》，跟同出版社更早之前出的《戰術的本質》，差別在於層次。後者是給一般軍官士兵，本書則是適合國家元首、將官等領導層級。不過，其實作者更真正想面向的，是一般大眾。除了在遠古例如中國的春秋時代，或者歐洲中世紀，戰爭是某些階級的「遊戲」外，大部分時間，都是跟一般人民也息息相關。特別是進入「總體戰」的現代，基本上很難不被影響。因此，對於戰爭本身，多一些理解，總是好的，特別是在這個風雲變色的當下。
《如何打贏戰爭》這本書，它有點類似《孫子兵法》，既談大原則，也講細部的通例。而且，作者麥克‧馬丁是個待過戰場的，並非紙上談兵之輩；這本書的原文在2023年出版，也很新，能把還在進行式的烏俄戰爭收進來談。這點很重要，因為戰爭的型態又到了一個改變的節點，上次是波斯灣戰爭，美國人向全世界指出了「現代戰爭」應該要前進的方向；而烏俄戰爭，則更加清晰的定位了未來的可能樣子，這在本書中都有討論到。
然後，2025年5月，印度跟巴基斯坦的一場衝突中的空戰，又呈現了現代戰爭的另外一個面貌。後者的空中預警機率先偵測了敵方動向，然後再讓機隊巧妙的攔截獲取戰果。而對個人來說，這則是之前看過的日本漫畫家川口開治作品《空母伊吹》中的決戰情節的真實呈現。在這部漫畫中，海自航空隊以空母伊吹為指揮中心，兵分兩路，一支引開解放軍的護衛機隊，一支則利用低空躲開雷達去奇襲空中預警機。完成之後，再把失去了「空中之眼」，依然孤注一擲前來決戰的的解放軍J20機隊配合己方艦隊一網打盡。這是一種「體系戰爭」，講究多元分工、環環相扣，其複雜跟成本已經遠超一般民眾想像。不過，這是指美國人定義的「現代戰爭」，能夠做到這種要求的國家全世界恐怕不超過五個。作者在討論到這點的時候，講了一句讓我印象深刻而值得玩味的評論。他說解放軍的真實戰鬥力是很難評估的，畢竟它已經近五十年未曾實戰，我們不能單純的從它的體量或者是武器精良與先進度去評判，而是要從它對於這個「現代體系戰爭」的適應程度到了多少去思量。而在這次衝突中使用了中國武器的巴基斯坦，或許提供了一些方向。
作者談到另外一個讓我深思且與我們相關的是後勤。正所謂「三軍未動，糧草先行」，沒有油料跟彈藥，再精良的士兵跟戰車都是垃圾。而本書提到，波斯灣戰爭期間的，維持一個美軍裝甲師的作戰能量，每天需要的物資是七千多噸。我就思考著，要登陸台灣需要多少兵力，背後又要運送多少物資上來才能撐住。以前光榮的三國志、信長之野望系列遊戲的後勤總是為了遊戲性做的很簡略，一個不小心就會產生錯覺。真正要體驗這種「痛苦」還是得去玩玩P社的HOI ，去俄羅斯這種遍地爛泥跟沒有制海權的太平洋體驗看看何謂補給。而且，所謂的後勤，也不單是指「如何把物資送到部隊手上」這麼單純，同時也包括要如何「武器自主」，就是要能夠自給自足，支撐長期戰爭。今天很多國家因為過去「太過和平」，在這方面其實都是不及格的，烏克蘭的困境也在此，而且這是攻守雙方都是要面對的問題。
最後就是AI 與無人機等「新科技」的運用。在「減少傷亡」的大前提之下，這似乎是勢在必行的趨勢。不過這種武器的運用，有降低使用者負罪感的可能，因而說來諷刺的是，你的「降低犧牲」卻是要以「大量殺傷敵方」來做為代價的，不是嗎？如果那麼看重人命，難道不是一開始就不該發動戰爭嗎？當然，這是屬於一種「聖母心態」的空口白話，誠如本書第一章就開誠佈公地說，在利益的絕對衝突情況下，找不到共存的方法，只能回歸最原始的法則：武力決定了。而且你也必須面對一個現實，這世上就是真的存在不把殺戮當一回事的人。
這就是我們既反對戰爭，但又要有所準備的世界。而這本書，則是對此有所幫助的作品。
《如何打贏戰爭》這本書，它有點類似《孫子兵法》，既談大原則，也講細部的通例。而且，作者麥克‧馬丁是個待過戰場的，並非紙上談兵之輩；這本書的原文在2023年出版，也很新，能把還在進行式的烏俄戰爭收進來談。這點很重要，因為戰爭的型態又到了一個改變的節點，上次是波斯灣戰爭，美國人向全世界指出了「現代戰爭」應該要前進的方向；而烏俄戰爭，則更加清晰的定位了未來的可能樣子，這在本書中都有討論到。
然後，2025年5月，印度跟巴基斯坦的一場衝突中的空戰，又呈現了現代戰爭的另外一個面貌。後者的空中預警機率先偵測了敵方動向，然後再讓機隊巧妙的攔截獲取戰果。而對個人來說，這則是之前看過的日本漫畫家川口開治作品《空母伊吹》中的決戰情節的真實呈現。在這部漫畫中，海自航空隊以空母伊吹為指揮中心，兵分兩路，一支引開解放軍的護衛機隊，一支則利用低空躲開雷達去奇襲空中預警機。完成之後，再把失去了「空中之眼」，依然孤注一擲前來決戰的的解放軍J20機隊配合己方艦隊一網打盡。這是一種「體系戰爭」，講究多元分工、環環相扣，其複雜跟成本已經遠超一般民眾想像。不過，這是指美國人定義的「現代戰爭」，能夠做到這種要求的國家全世界恐怕不超過五個。作者在討論到這點的時候，講了一句讓我印象深刻而值得玩味的評論。他說解放軍的真實戰鬥力是很難評估的，畢竟它已經近五十年未曾實戰，我們不能單純的從它的體量或者是武器精良與先進度去評判，而是要從它對於這個「現代體系戰爭」的適應程度到了多少去思量。而在這次衝突中使用了中國武器的巴基斯坦，或許提供了一些方向。
作者談到另外一個讓我深思且與我們相關的是後勤。正所謂「三軍未動，糧草先行」，沒有油料跟彈藥，再精良的士兵跟戰車都是垃圾。而本書提到，波斯灣戰爭期間的，維持一個美軍裝甲師的作戰能量，每天需要的物資是七千多噸。我就思考著，要登陸台灣需要多少兵力，背後又要運送多少物資上來才能撐住。以前光榮的三國志、信長之野望系列遊戲的後勤總是為了遊戲性做的很簡略，一個不小心就會產生錯覺。真正要體驗這種「痛苦」還是得去玩玩P社的HOI ，去俄羅斯這種遍地爛泥跟沒有制海權的太平洋體驗看看何謂補給。而且，所謂的後勤，也不單是指「如何把物資送到部隊手上」這麼單純，同時也包括要如何「武器自主」，就是要能夠自給自足，支撐長期戰爭。今天很多國家因為過去「太過和平」，在這方面其實都是不及格的，烏克蘭的困境也在此，而且這是攻守雙方都是要面對的問題。
最後就是AI 與無人機等「新科技」的運用。在「減少傷亡」的大前提之下，這似乎是勢在必行的趨勢。不過這種武器的運用，有降低使用者負罪感的可能，因而說來諷刺的是，你的「降低犧牲」卻是要以「大量殺傷敵方」來做為代價的，不是嗎？如果那麼看重人命，難道不是一開始就不該發動戰爭嗎？當然，這是屬於一種「聖母心態」的空口白話，誠如本書第一章就開誠佈公地說，在利益的絕對衝突情況下，找不到共存的方法，只能回歸最原始的法則：武力決定了。而且你也必須面對一個現實，這世上就是真的存在不把殺戮當一回事的人。
這就是我們既反對戰爭，但又要有所準備的世界。而這本書，則是對此有所幫助的作品。
April 30, 2023
Leidžia skaitytojui pasijausti politiku, kuris priima sprendimus einant į karą ir į kokius faktorius jis turi atsižvelgti. Mintis gera, bet knyga parašyta per paprastai, norisi daug daugiau
February 1, 2024
"Misunderstandings abound about what war is, and what it isn’t. This is true not only for civilians and the public, but also for generals and political leaders—those whose responsibility it is to think about wars, and particularly how to win them. A brief glance at the record of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries shows that far more wars are lost, or stumble towards an inconclusive draw, than are won. What is going wrong?"
How to Fight a War was a decent short presentation. I wasn't sure what to expect from the book, given its title. Although I thought the title could imply some ambiguity, the book is quite literally a guide on how to prosecute a war as the leader of a country.
Author Mike Martin is Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the department of War Studies at King's College London where he speaks and writes on conflict.
Mike Martin:
Martin writes with a fairly decent style here that's matter-of-fact and no frills. He gets the writing off on a good foot, with a very well-written intro. He drops the quote at the start of the review there, and it continues below:
As touched on above, the book is a guide on making warfare. The author expands:
Mentioning the famous quote by Carl von Clausewitz, Martin says:
The formatting of the book was also decently done. It is broken into 3 parts, and those parts; into 9 chapters. They are:
Part 1
INTANGIBLE FUNDAMENTALS
1. Strategy and Intelligence
2. Logistics
3. Morale
4. Training
Part 2
TANGIBLE CAPABILITIES
5. Land
6. Sea, Air and Space
7. Information and Cyber
8. Nuclear, Chemical Biological Weapons
Part 3
HOW TO FIGHT A WAR
9. The Art of Using Lethal Violence
Conclusion: How to End a War
Epilogue: The Future of War
********************
How to Fight a War was an interesting look into the topic, although I don't imagine many readers of this book will be in a position to wage their own personal wars at any time in the future, so I'm a bit puzzled that a book like this was release to the public...
2.5 stars.
How to Fight a War was a decent short presentation. I wasn't sure what to expect from the book, given its title. Although I thought the title could imply some ambiguity, the book is quite literally a guide on how to prosecute a war as the leader of a country.
Author Mike Martin is Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the department of War Studies at King's College London where he speaks and writes on conflict.
Mike Martin:
Martin writes with a fairly decent style here that's matter-of-fact and no frills. He gets the writing off on a good foot, with a very well-written intro. He drops the quote at the start of the review there, and it continues below:
"...Why do so many leaders make catastrophic mistakes and lead their militaries and countries to defeat?
At the core of this book is the notion that winning wars is about understanding and following basic principles. Although war is fiendishly complex, wars are almost always lost due to the same simple ideas being misapplied or ignored. War is a psychological phenomenon—a competition between evolved human brains—and its core nature has altered hardly at all since humans first began to live in groups hundreds of thousands of years ago."
As touched on above, the book is a guide on making warfare. The author expands:
"How to Fight a War was written as a reference guide for the Commander in Chief of a nation’s military. In an age of inevitable and more frequent wars, our leaders must have the strategic, operational, and tactical skills to prosecute wars successfully. The ability to do so means that we may arrive at durable strategic answers to the pressing geopolitical questions of the day quicker and more efficiently than might otherwise be the case. This makes me sound like a warmonger, which I most certainly am not, having experienced war first-hand."
Mentioning the famous quote by Carl von Clausewitz, Martin says:
"The first key lesson is that war is political. In a famous encapsulation, war is simply politics by other means. Very often you will see war on the one hand, and politics and diplomacy on the other, discussed as if they were discrete spheres of activity, with only the narrowest of connections between them.
War is a subset of politics. It is how humans conduct politics when they have failed to reach a decision through talking. It is, some have called it, armed politics."
The formatting of the book was also decently done. It is broken into 3 parts, and those parts; into 9 chapters. They are:
Part 1
INTANGIBLE FUNDAMENTALS
1. Strategy and Intelligence
2. Logistics
3. Morale
4. Training
Part 2
TANGIBLE CAPABILITIES
5. Land
6. Sea, Air and Space
7. Information and Cyber
8. Nuclear, Chemical Biological Weapons
Part 3
HOW TO FIGHT A WAR
9. The Art of Using Lethal Violence
Conclusion: How to End a War
Epilogue: The Future of War
********************
How to Fight a War was an interesting look into the topic, although I don't imagine many readers of this book will be in a position to wage their own personal wars at any time in the future, so I'm a bit puzzled that a book like this was release to the public...
2.5 stars.
August 3, 2023
I have finished reading “How to Fight a War” by Mike Martin.
Mike Martin is Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and a parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats.
“You may not have an interest in war. But war has an interest in you.”
Leon Trotsky
This book’s pitch is unusual but direct. It puts the reader in the position of political/military leader who will be leading their country to war. It then proceeds to describe in detail the fundamentals of what that leader will need and describe in a nutshell how modern wars are fought.
If there is a main message for this book it is that while war technology changes but the fundamentals stay the same. The fundamental aim is to inflict a psychological shock big enough to break the enemy’s will to fight. Primarily your (as a leader/general) success depends on what the author refers to as “Intangible Fundamentals” that include; your strategy, your forces morale, your forces training and your logistics. If any of them are compromised then so are your chances of military victory.
The author goes through thorough discussions about the various different theatres of war (land, sea, air, space and cyberspace) while making clear the importance and limitations of fighting in all of these arenas. He makes clear that despite technological prowess, control of land remains the primary concern of battlefield commanders. However, while mastery over the other arenas doesn’t make up for land control, assets that work within them can help with dominating the land arena.
The author describes war as the continuation of politics by non-peaceful means, specifically to achieve geopolitical goals. Because of this war can be seen as a form of communication with an opponent. The most violent kind of communication to be sure! War is not a rational act but an emotional one, which explains why it persists in the human condition.
Despite the grim subject matter, I found this book concise and very easy to read. The author has a gift for breaking down very complex issues and explaining them patiently and methodically. As a self-confessed war nerd even I had the opportunity to learn something new. The author challenges a lot of the stereotypical assumptions about war. The ultimate is not to just mow down as many enemy soldiers as possible. Modern war fighting focuses a lot more on targeting enemy HQ, communication and logistics facilities. This is to disrupt enemy’s formation’s ability to make decisions, coordinate itself and supply itself.
The book end on an interesting note about the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The author believes that AI could be the single most significant technological development to effect war in years. It is a significant statement to make in light of the fact that the book is mainly about humans making life or death choices. This is turned on it’s head by the prospect of Military formation commanders not being human. This opens a pandoras box for future battlefield decision making.
Mike Martin is Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and a parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats.
“You may not have an interest in war. But war has an interest in you.”
Leon Trotsky
This book’s pitch is unusual but direct. It puts the reader in the position of political/military leader who will be leading their country to war. It then proceeds to describe in detail the fundamentals of what that leader will need and describe in a nutshell how modern wars are fought.
If there is a main message for this book it is that while war technology changes but the fundamentals stay the same. The fundamental aim is to inflict a psychological shock big enough to break the enemy’s will to fight. Primarily your (as a leader/general) success depends on what the author refers to as “Intangible Fundamentals” that include; your strategy, your forces morale, your forces training and your logistics. If any of them are compromised then so are your chances of military victory.
The author goes through thorough discussions about the various different theatres of war (land, sea, air, space and cyberspace) while making clear the importance and limitations of fighting in all of these arenas. He makes clear that despite technological prowess, control of land remains the primary concern of battlefield commanders. However, while mastery over the other arenas doesn’t make up for land control, assets that work within them can help with dominating the land arena.
The author describes war as the continuation of politics by non-peaceful means, specifically to achieve geopolitical goals. Because of this war can be seen as a form of communication with an opponent. The most violent kind of communication to be sure! War is not a rational act but an emotional one, which explains why it persists in the human condition.
Despite the grim subject matter, I found this book concise and very easy to read. The author has a gift for breaking down very complex issues and explaining them patiently and methodically. As a self-confessed war nerd even I had the opportunity to learn something new. The author challenges a lot of the stereotypical assumptions about war. The ultimate is not to just mow down as many enemy soldiers as possible. Modern war fighting focuses a lot more on targeting enemy HQ, communication and logistics facilities. This is to disrupt enemy’s formation’s ability to make decisions, coordinate itself and supply itself.
The book end on an interesting note about the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The author believes that AI could be the single most significant technological development to effect war in years. It is a significant statement to make in light of the fact that the book is mainly about humans making life or death choices. This is turned on it’s head by the prospect of Military formation commanders not being human. This opens a pandoras box for future battlefield decision making.
May 2, 2023
An ‘idiots’ guide, or a 101 guide for how nations conduct wars. Useful for those with no experience of warfare, or those wanting to try and understand why neither side has ‘won’ in Ukraine. Sone useful quotes and facts, sadly none referenced.
December 16, 2024
There's something about this book that sits very negatively with me, and I did not enjoy reading it. On the face of it, the book is a Warfare 101 that introduces basic concepts of leading a military during wartime. In this sense the book is basically well thought out and structured, covering everything from supply lines to morale and everything in between. It is addressed to the reader, who the narrative addresses as someone who is considering starting a war or joining one.
I can't help but ask; what on earth is the point of a book like this, beyond the obvious answer that it is produced to make money? Who is it meant to serve? Armchair military strategists and wannabe generals? It is hard to imagine anyone who has been on the receiving end of this kind of violence enjoying this book. Its probably to basic to be of interest of real strategists, so it must be for those who want to role play as such.
My main issue is the book's repeated assertion that if you don't have the stomach to sacrifice the lives of your soldiers and also of innocent civilians, then you shouldn't try to fight a war. Whereas - of course - people die in war, a book that helps spread the idea that civilians are sacrificial when needs must, is just morally objectionable at a very basic level.
I can't help but ask; what on earth is the point of a book like this, beyond the obvious answer that it is produced to make money? Who is it meant to serve? Armchair military strategists and wannabe generals? It is hard to imagine anyone who has been on the receiving end of this kind of violence enjoying this book. Its probably to basic to be of interest of real strategists, so it must be for those who want to role play as such.
My main issue is the book's repeated assertion that if you don't have the stomach to sacrifice the lives of your soldiers and also of innocent civilians, then you shouldn't try to fight a war. Whereas - of course - people die in war, a book that helps spread the idea that civilians are sacrificial when needs must, is just morally objectionable at a very basic level.
April 24, 2023
What an incredible book and very recently published. As the son of an army career doctor, I admit to being interested in military matters but I couldn't imagine ever reading a book on war tactics that was as interesting as this one. First of all, the author really does know his stuff and he writes beautifully and so fluidly.
The book is written to any leader facing the possibility of being involved in conflict and how to deal with the opposition(s). It explains the basic fundamentals of battle which have hardly changed in centuries and then tackles more recent conflict developments to cover both historic and contemporary examples. His final two chapters are each no more than two pages long and are fascinating in their content.
It has been a most enjoyable gift which I doubt I would found and unlikely that I would have purchased for myself.
The book is written to any leader facing the possibility of being involved in conflict and how to deal with the opposition(s). It explains the basic fundamentals of battle which have hardly changed in centuries and then tackles more recent conflict developments to cover both historic and contemporary examples. His final two chapters are each no more than two pages long and are fascinating in their content.
It has been a most enjoyable gift which I doubt I would found and unlikely that I would have purchased for myself.
September 16, 2023
Many people feel that they need to have more understanding of the craft of warfare. Or at least want to understand what warfare means apart from death and destruction. Until Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, we lived on an island of bliss, at least in Europe.
In this book, conflict scholar and former soldier Mike Martin writes a kind of guide to modern war from an unusual perspective: he writes it for hypothetical leaders of states who have to create and command armies.
In doing so, he guides the reader through the craft of modern war in a very comprehensible and extremely fast way. It is not about weapon systems, but about doctrines, strategies and how command & control can be used for effective military operations.
The book reads quickly, is not written for specialist nerds but for everyone and is therefore a perfect introduction to the nature of modern war.
In this book, conflict scholar and former soldier Mike Martin writes a kind of guide to modern war from an unusual perspective: he writes it for hypothetical leaders of states who have to create and command armies.
In doing so, he guides the reader through the craft of modern war in a very comprehensible and extremely fast way. It is not about weapon systems, but about doctrines, strategies and how command & control can be used for effective military operations.
The book reads quickly, is not written for specialist nerds but for everyone and is therefore a perfect introduction to the nature of modern war.
November 26, 2023
How to Fight a War is a pocketbook primer for understanding how wars can be successfully prosecuted. Mike Martin, a War Studies Senior Fellow at King's College London and a British veteran of the Afghanistan War, writes in a crisp and direct manner that presumes no topical experience in military affairs. Martin covers the intangibles of war planning – including strategy development, logistics, morale, and training – as well as different warfare domains – sea, cyber, nuclear, chemical, and biological. Martin makes frequent use of the Russian war in Ukraine as examples of how not to fight a war. In sum, this is a comprehensive reference guide for conducting sound war preparedness, preemption, and execution.
November 13, 2024
An excellent primer to war fighting which some how manages to touch the essentials at all levels i.e tactical, operational and strategic while at the same time keeping the content very simple.
Conceptually clear, the book documents the process of war fighting in a very lucid manner.
The only one peeve I have with the book, the Pentagon Press edition, is that while there are several references to diagrams, there is none in the book. This is a major publishing blunder.
Conceptually clear, the book documents the process of war fighting in a very lucid manner.
The only one peeve I have with the book, the Pentagon Press edition, is that while there are several references to diagrams, there is none in the book. This is a major publishing blunder.
December 8, 2025
It’s a short book that covers the basics of tactics and overarching military strategy. It’s kind of fine but too broad and skin deep. It tells you the obvious stuff like how logistics is essential and you should always try to gain the high ground, which isn’t particularly insightful. These points are illustrated with passing superficial historical references. At no point does it feel like it gets into the meat of anything.
Like other reviewers I’m left wondering who this book is for.
Like other reviewers I’m left wondering who this book is for.
May 16, 2023
A very insightful look into the necessary mindset to fight a war in the 21st century.
Not only does Martin outline the key processes that must be addressed currently, he also offers his insight as to how drones and AI will feature even more in future warfighting.
All in, a fascinating read and a very good "jumping off point" if you're interested in wartime strategy.
Not only does Martin outline the key processes that must be addressed currently, he also offers his insight as to how drones and AI will feature even more in future warfighting.
All in, a fascinating read and a very good "jumping off point" if you're interested in wartime strategy.
June 5, 2023
I've been following Martin's Twitter updates on the war in Ukraine for a while so I decided to pick this up. It was a good read, I appreciated the focus on general preparation and logistics. His main lesson is that war is (violent) communication and trying to persuade the other side to surrender. I appreciated the insights from recent wars including what's been going on in Ukraine so far.
June 10, 2023
Great initial look behind the curtains of strategy and war.
I’ve followed Mike Martin‘s analysis on Twitter for a few months. This book feels like a deep dive into the different frameworks he mentioned throughout those threads.
My main take away was that war is a form of communication. As such, it‘s less about destruction and more about psychology then people realize.
I’ve followed Mike Martin‘s analysis on Twitter for a few months. This book feels like a deep dive into the different frameworks he mentioned throughout those threads.
My main take away was that war is a form of communication. As such, it‘s less about destruction and more about psychology then people realize.
June 11, 2023
An excellent book!
Mike uses very simple everyday language to illustrate complex warfare principles and strategy so everyday layman like me can understand.
I can certainly relate to what he says from what I have been reading about the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding why wars were fought in a certain way.
Mike uses very simple everyday language to illustrate complex warfare principles and strategy so everyday layman like me can understand.
I can certainly relate to what he says from what I have been reading about the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding why wars were fought in a certain way.
November 24, 2024
Does what it says on the tin. Interesting subject matter, but could’ve done with a few more examples. Very interesting that this guy is an MP - seems a canny addition, and sure if he wasn’t a Lib Dem he’d be a good defence secretary
July 3, 2023
Insightful book into the practicalities and theories of war in the modern age.
October 2, 2023
slaps the cover of the book this bad boy can fit so much Clausewitz in it
November 25, 2023
war
Outstanding. This book has a lot crammed into it but is so well written it flows. Very informative for the novice and will make arm chair generals think.
Outstanding. This book has a lot crammed into it but is so well written it flows. Very informative for the novice and will make arm chair generals think.
January 8, 2024
Essential reading.
This book provides an essential foundation for understanding how to win a ear. If only a few people in Washington would read it!
This book provides an essential foundation for understanding how to win a ear. If only a few people in Washington would read it!
June 18, 2024
Should be required reading for all politicians. Clear, concise explanation of land war and how to win.
February 12, 2025
Covers all the basics, very readable, presented in layman’s terms so even the novice to modern war-fighting can grasp the key concepts and insights.
Want to read
March 2, 2025How to fight a war
May 1, 2025
Worth the time ! Go Ukraine !
August 23, 2023
This is an excellent book. Drawing on historical events and details, including the current 2022- 2023 war in Ukraine, this book is a must for anyone wishing to understand modern warfare. The author takes you through every aspect of fighting a modern war, including the all important aspects of the likes of training, logistics and just how modern armies fight. I particularly recommend it because it's written in a very accessible way. As the author writes, it is designed as a hand book for policy makers. Top marks.
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