Understanding Modern Warfare

'Civilian academics typically and gratefully know next to nothing about real combat. This is why there is a yawning gap in the strategic studies literature on the non-trivial subject of actual warfare. Strategy is conveniently abstract but prospective anticipated tactical performance in the battle spaces on land, at sea, in the air, and now in cyberspaces commonly is mercifully omitted from close scholarly, but very inexpert, attention. Understanding Modern Warfare succeeds in addressing this major deficiency, and it does so even with the inclusion of first-rate analysis provided by the vital context of strategy. This book is one of the very few 'must acquire and read' items for all students of strategic studies.' Colin S. Gray, University of Reading

'Drones, 'transformation', and lethal advancements in technology do not mean contemporary conflict is becoming easier compared to times past; far from it, modern warfare is rife with strategic, political, cultural, and ethical complexity, indeed at all levels. With an engaging thematic approach, Understanding Modern Warfare offers conceptual clarity to what is deceptively complex and too often overlooked by scholars, military professionals, and pundits - the actual conduct of war in our time.' William Thomas Allison, Georgia Southern University

'This is a terrific volume! I wish it had been available for my students when I was Commandant of the National War College. Extremely well written, clear and comprehensive, it addresses both the theory and practice of modern war, including the conflicts of this century. Usefully, each chapter stands alone [and the book includes] very helpful suggestions for further reading - destined to be the standard reference on the subject.' Michael McDevitt, Former Rear Admiral, United States Navy

Understanding Modern Warfare has established itself as the leading introduction to the issues, ideas, concepts and context necessary to understand the theory and conduct of warfare in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It is an invaluable text for military professionals and students of military history. Key features include: incisive coverage of the debates surrounding contemporary and future warfare; accessible, yet sophisticated, discussion across the land, sea, and air environments; and coverage of contemporary topics such as drones, cyber warfare, and hybrid warfare. The book makes extensive use of text boxes to explain key concepts and to reference extended examples, and it includes annotated guides to further reading and key questions to promote the reader's further thinking. This second edition has been fully revised and updated to take into account new debates and recent events in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine, and it has also been restructured to further improve its usefulness as a teaching tool.