Atlantic County Library System

UnCovered review by Collette Jones, ACLS Egg Harbor City Branch

CONFLICT: THE EVOLUTION OF WARFARE FROM 1945 TO UKRAINE is a sweeping and authoritative history of warfare from the end of World War II to the present day co-authored by General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts. The book examines the major conflicts of the past seventy years, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Petraeus and Roberts draw on their own extensive experience in the military and in academia to provide a unique and insightful perspective on these wars and on the evolution of warfare more broadly.

One of the strengths of CONFLICT is its scope and ambition. The book covers a vast amount of material but does so in a clear and concise way. Petraeus and Roberts avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details, and they focus on the most important lessons that can be learned from each conflict. They also do a good job of explaining the complex geopolitical and technological factors that have shaped warfare in the post-war era.

Another strength of the book is its balance between the strategic and the operational levels of war. Petraeus and Roberts are both experts in military strategy, but they also have a deep understanding of the realities of combat. They are able to explain the complex strategic decisions that are made by leaders in wartime and also provide insights into the experiences of soldiers on the ground.

One of the most important lessons that Petraeus and Roberts draw from their analysis of recent conflicts is that warfare is becoming increasingly complex and challenging. They argue that traditional military forces are no longer enough to win wars in the 21st century. Instead, they advocate for a more holistic approach to warfare that combines military force with other instruments of power, such as diplomacy, economic sanctions, and information warfare. In his book CONFLICT: THE EVOLUTION OF WARFARE FROM 1945 TO UKRAINE, Petraeus writes:

“Conflict is a broader term than warfare. It can encompass a wide range of situations, from peaceful competition to violent conflict. Warfare is a subset of conflict that involves the use of armed force to achieve political goals.”

Petraeus goes on to argue that conflict is a complex phenomenon that is often driven by underlying social, political, and economic factors:

“Conflict is rarely simply a matter of ‘good’ versus 'evil.’ It is often rooted in deep-seated grievances, historical disputes, and economic rivalries. These underlying causes must be addressed if we are to achieve lasting peace.”

Petraeus emphasizes the importance of non-military approaches to conflict resolution:

“Military force can be necessary to deter or respond to aggression, but it is often more effective to address the underlying causes of conflict through diplomacy, economic development, and other non-military means.”

In short, Petraeus sees conflict as a more complex and nuanced phenomenon than warfare. He argues that it is important to understand the underlying causes of conflict in order to develop effective strategies for conflict resolution.

CONFLICT is an essential book for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of warfare in the post-war era. It is also a valuable resource for policymakers and military leaders who are grappling with the challenges of fighting and winning wars in the 21st century. Recommended for anyone interested in the history of warfare, military strategy, or current events.