Conflict: The Evolution of Warfarefrom 1945 to Gaza

by General David Petraeus

General David Petraeus, the former CIA Director and Afghanistan and Iraq veteran, combines with historian Andrew Roberts to discuss the changing dynamics in waging war over the past 80 years.

Each chapter provides an accessible, broad-brush telling of conflicts since the Second World War, providing their context, key events and outcomes – a fine read for those interested in the wavetops of contemporary military history. Robert’s historical pieces are admirable and provide a good insight. The manoeuvres and sequences of battles are explained well, without too much assumed knowledge. It also touches on far less famous conflicts that help to broaden the reader’s awareness. Its chapters appear to be siloed – they might well have been written in isolation as sometimes there is repetition, but without reference to previous chapter or callbacks. Meanwhile, Gen Petraeus’s insights use a golden thread of the ‘strategic leader’ and his four rules for waging war to provide thought-provoking analysis and highlights how warfare is always evolving, even should it not appear to be progressing. Later in the book, the narrative switches from a recollection of history to making use of Gen Petraeus’s accounts from commanding CENTCOM, and when deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The prose becomes more akin to a memoire, from an officer seeing US policy enacted in front of his eyes and played a huge role in modern military history. His articulates his rationale for key decisions made during his command, moving from tactical to strategic vignettes to justify himself. Finaly, its insight into Russia-Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza are powerful and fascinating.

Overall, the book provides a lightweight overview of recent conflict, helpful to those who seeking an introduction, should their awareness be lacking. It is a worthwhile, stimulating read, nonetheless, to anyone interested in broadening their understanding of war doctrine, the politics of warfare, and how those who fail to study history can abet its repetition.

Captain Oliver Robb

Published by: William Collins, 26 Sept. 2024. 608 pages.

ISBN-13: 978-0008568016