Winning at War

"This exceptionally well-written work focuses on how to achieve victory in war when diplomacy is unable to prevent human conflict and warfare." —Proceedings

"Potholm's knowledge of military history, from the general staff to the handiwork of the battlefield, is impressive. . . . The reader is shown Napolean and the usual suspects as models, but Potholm also explores far-flung fields and different cultures." —The Portland Press Herald

What are the independent variables that determine success in war? Drawing on forty years of studying and teaching war, political scientist Christian P. Potholm presents a "template of Mars," seven variables that have served as predictors of military success over time and across cultures. In Winning at War, Potholm explains these variables—technology, sustained ruthlessness, discipline, receptivity to innovation, protection of military capital from civilians and rulers, will, and the belief that there will always be another war—and provides case studies of their implementation, from ancient battles to today.

"An innovative approach to objectively analyzing mankind's most destructive method of policy making-war. A disciplined application of the seven keys to military victory he so compellingly articulates can assist future political leaders, policy makers, and military planners avoid the sad and costly mistakes of the past. A brilliant contribution to the noble effort to help mankind avoid the dreadful pain of warfare." ―Admiral Gregory G. Johnson, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe, Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, 2001-2004