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Book Review: The Politics of War and Peace: A Survey of Thought
Isaiah Wilson III
Authors: Abbott A. Brayton and Stephana J. Landwehr
Reviewed by: Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III (colonel, US Army retired); professor of practice, Arizona State University; and president emeritus, Joint Special Operations University
Spanning centuries of political and philosophical reflection, Brayton’s work explores how thinkers from ancient times to the modern era have grappled with the moral and strategic dilemmas of war and peace. Through a rich tapestry of ideas, the book reveals the enduring tensions between justice, power, and diplomacy. It’s an essential guide for understanding how past wisdom continues to shape contemporary debates on conflict and resolution.
Copyright: ©2026 Isaiah Wilson III
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Book Review: The Clausewitz Myth: Or the Emperor’s New Clothes
Darren W. Buss
Author: Azar Gat
Reviewed by: Colonel Darren W. Buss, faculty instructor, Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations, US Army War College
Azar Gat, the author of The Clausewitz Myth, takes a closer look at Carl von Clausewitz’s On War and argues through looking at historical documents and unpublished versions of the text that there have been misinterpretations of his thoughts. The reviewer believes Gat’s assertions are not earth-shattering but still notes “engaging with [Clausewitz’s] thoughts through the lens of Gat is a valuable experience for readers.”
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Book Review: Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II
Christine Cook
Author: Lena Andrews
Reviewed by: Dr. Christine Cook, director of theories and war, Department of Distance Education, US Army War College
In Valiant Women, author Lena Andrews compiles stories that were largely gathered through interviews with women who served during World War II and uncovers their important but often overlooked contributions to the war effort. Although the reviewer regrets Andrews’s missed opportunity to include academic sources alongside the firsthand accounts, she still sees this compilation of untold stories as relevant and important.
©2025 Christine Cook
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Book Review: Outmaneuvered: America’s Tragic Encounter with Warfare from Vietnam to Afghanistan
Marie Louise deRaismes Combes
Author: James A. Warren
Reviewed by: Dr. Marie Louise deRaismes Combes, assistant professor of national security, Department of National Security and Strategy, US Army War College
Outmaneuvered: America’s Tragic Encounter with Warfare from Vietnam to Afghanistan chronologically examines the United States’ relationship with counterinsurgency. The author’s primary focus is the influence of politics on irregular warfare and covers irregular conflicts that occurred prior to and after 9/11. The reviewer saw both positives and negatives to the book and its arguments.
©2025 Marie Louise deRaismes Combes
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