Conflict

The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine

By: David Petraeus, Andrew Roberts

Narrated by: David Petraeus, Robert Fass

Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Two leading authorities—an acclaimed historian and the outstanding battlefield commander and strategist of our time—collaborate on a landmark examination of war since 1945. Conflict is both a sweeping history of the evolution of warfare up to Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine, and a penetrating analysis of what we must learn from the past—and anticipate in the future—in order to navigate an increasingly perilous world.

In this deep and incisive study, General David Petraeus, who commanded the US-led coalitions in both Iraq, during the Surge, and Afghanistan and former CIA director, and the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explore over 70 years of conflict, drawing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. Drawing on their different perspectives and areas of expertise, Petraeus and Roberts show how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. Among the conflicts examined are the Arab-Israeli wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the two Gulf Wars, the Balkan wars in the former Yugoslavia, and both the Soviet and Coalition wars in Afghanistan, as well as guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. Conflict culminates with a bracing look at Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine, yet another case study in the tragic results when leaders refuse to learn from history, and an assessment of the nature of future warfare. Filled with sharp insight and the wisdom of experience, Conflict is not only a critical assessment of our recent past, but also an essential primer of modern warfare that provides crucial knowledge for waging battle today as well as for understanding what the decades ahead will bring.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Timely and relevant

The views ascribed clearly show the successes and failures of strategic civilian and military leaders in modern war. I imagine this will be a mainstay of reading at our war colleges.

Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it

The memes about conflict in the 20th century were mostly wrong and I didn't know it. We won 2 "Vietnams" before Vietnam, and could have won Vietnam with competent leadership. We almost lost Korea. Tge initial Iraq war commander made 1 very dumb decision 4 weeks in that took 6 years of fighting to fix. Amazing, readable history!

An invaluable resource for a dynamic time

A must read for anyone interested in the evolution of warfare and what is in store for the United States in future conflicts.

Outstanding!

This is a very informative, well-written, and highly engaging book about war. Unlike many books on war, this was written and narrated by people who have experienced it firsthand. For me, this made it a lot more captivating and realistic. The readers kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.

I learned a lot about history and the nuances of these conflicts. I was, however, shocked by the types of torture used in war and the types of bombs currently being used in Ukraine. These were nonetheless necessary parts of this story. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing what really happens in war and world conflicts.

Very Informative

This is a great study of warfare throughout history. I was afraid that this would be a long and difficult story to stay with but I was pleasantly surprised. The story and chapters flow very well which is essential for this type of work.

The length and depth of the narrative

I liked the entire narrative, but at times found the story confusing and difficult to follow.

General resign in protest?

When should a general resign in protest?
Overall, this is a good book. Just a few areas for improvement. There is another book called: “ The New Markers Of Modern Strategy“ by Hal Brands and two other editors, that delineates the Vietnam war failure from significant civilian interference. This was interference by Robert McNamara and President Johnson. The later unconventional wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had the same problem with civilian lack of knowledge that impeded military decisions.
In this book, excuses are made for generals who can only fight conventional wars. The generals did not study the American revolution? Or the American Civil War ( General Grant’s war of exhaustion that convinced the south to not resort to gorilla warfare.) Or the success of Alexander The great in Afghanistan. The British failure to conquer Afghanistan in the 1800s. The British success in the Boer War. Many more unconventional wars to study.
The authors discuss the Afghan withdrawal and seem to place equal blame for the final failure on two presidents. President Biden immediately took a new course. Complete withdrawal was the only goal. In this case, all military generals know how to do a rear guard action for withdrawal. The authors do not discuss the use of the Bahram airbase over a longer period of time for withdrawal. President Biden ignored the advice on rear guard action for withdrawal from Afghanistan. The generals did testify in front of Congress that their advice was ignored. These generals should have resigned in protest. Some of the generals in Vietnam should have done the same thing.

amazing storytelling and narrative on a complex topic

“Conflict” presents an astonishingly powerful narrative, masterfully weaving together complex topics with a level of storytelling that is nothing short of amazing. The author’s ability to delve into intricate subjects with clarity and depth is commendable, making the book not just informative but also incredibly engaging. The storytelling is fluid and captivating, ensuring that readers are not just educated but thoroughly entertained. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the nuanced facets of its central theme, delivered through a brilliant narrative that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Deeply insightful book

This is one of those books that is so timely and full of deep insights as to be an absolute must read for anyone who wishes to understand how warfare got to the stage it is at on this planet.

Experience of writers

War on a first hand level.
Great read if you like the subject.
war today and tomorrow will be difficult to accomadate.