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Book Review: World War II Battles Reconsidered: Game Theory and Decision Science Perspectives on Gazala, El Alamein, Falaise, and Arnhem
Andy Nichols
Author: Mark Thompson
Reviewed by: Lieutenant Colonel Andy Nichols, US Army War College class of 2024
Former Harvard professor Mark Thompson applies cutting-edge decision science and game theory to four pivotal World War II battles, revealing how strategic missteps and psychological biases shaped their outcomes. From Gazala’s disastrous command decisions to Arnhem’s flawed reliance on surprise, each case is dissected with analytical precision and historical depth. This groundbreaking study challenges conventional military narratives and offers a fresh lens on leadership, risk, and battlefield logic.
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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the author of The Clausewitz Myth, takes a closer look at Carl von Clausewitz’s On War and argues through looking at historical documents and unpublished versions of the text that there have been misinterpretations of his thoughts.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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