The use of jets and helicopters began in earnest on June 25th.
Analysis of 28 modern wars since World War II
Covers new military technology – evaluation – lessons learned, etc.
◇conflict/Written by David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts, translated by Seung-cheol Heo and Seung-jong Song/38,000 won, 760 pages, with book
![[책의 향기]From June 25th to the Ukraine war… A record of 80 years of modern warfare](https://dimg.donga.com/wps/NEWS/IMAGE/2024/11/29/130535346.4.jpg "[책의 향기]From June 25th to the Ukraine war… A record of 80 years of modern warfare")
The Korean War of 1950 was conducted according to similar strategies and tactics as World War II, but the equipment was new. Jets introduced at the end of World War II became the main aircraft in the war on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, helicopters, which had been used in infancy before 1945, were actively used to evacuate the wounded during the Korean War. As then, helicopters have become a key element of warfare, transporting large numbers of troops quickly and safely.
The new book is an analysis of 28 modern wars spanning approximately 80 years, from World War II to the Gaza War. It was co-written by David Petraeus, former director of the U.S. Central Intelligence agency (CIA) and commander of the U.S. Central Command, and Andrew Roberts, a British military historian. Petraeus was also a star general who commanded the U.S.-lead coalition forces in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The book analyzes which strategies succeed and fail on the battlefield. In particular,it focuses on the factors that led to the ‘evolution of war’,such as the emergence of new military technologies and weapons,and military training. Thus, it is indeed not a book that covers the complete history of all wars. Even though it covered the Yom Kippur War between Arabs and Israel, where anti-tank weapons became more accurate, and the Gulf War between the United States and Iraq, which used large-scale tank attack tactics, it did not cover wars or small-scale guerrilla warfare that taught the same lessons.
The book presents the progress and evaluation of the war and the lessons we can learn. For example, the author said, “China’s civil war shows that Mao zedong’s small guerrilla force can
In addition, the Korean War is evaluated as a war that showed that a limited war could be waged even after the development of nuclear weapons and an era of ‘mutually assured destruction’ was entered. The Israeli War of Independence, in which a desperate citizen army defeated the allied forces of five countries, and the Six-Day War, a classic surprise war, appear.
The authors criticize the Russia-Ukraine war, which has continued since February 2022, as ‘Putin’s misjudgment’. It was a ‘tactical failure’ to look down on Ukraine enough to plan to invade Ukraine over 10 days and entirely annex it in 6 months.Russia did not concentrate its military power to occupy Kiiu, but distributed it along more than seven axes. Conversely,Ukraine persistently used precision firepower,including anti-tank guided missile systems and suicide drones,to destroy Russia’s supply lines.
In addition, the resistance of the Ukrainian people, based on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, was stronger than expected. Unlike the past, when materials and military power were absolutely crucial, the importance of non-violent warfare, such as economic and cultural sanctions, has also increased. Historian Niall Ferguson evaluated this as “a 20th-century invasion stopped by 21st-century defense.”
A book that can be read while contemplating what choices military strategists should make in cases of war success and failure. It is indeed also engaging as it contains a wealth of knowledge about the latest war tactics, such as cyber warfare and drones.
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How do advancements in military technology influence contemporary warfare strategies according to the book reviewed in the interview?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today.We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the fascinating analysis provided in the new book that covers modern warfare over the past 80 years. What motivated David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts to undertake such an extensive review of military conflicts?
Military Expert (ME): Thank you for having me! The authors clearly believe that analyzing recent military history can reveal important insights into the evolution of warfare. By examining 28 conflicts, they aim to identify patterns and lessons that can be applied to current and future military strategies. Their background and experiences in military leadership undoubtedly inform this analysis,lending credibility and depth to their findings.
TNE: it’s noteworthy that the book evaluates how new military technologies have shaped warfare, particularly from World War II onwards. Could you speak to the evolution of these technologies and their impact on tactics?
ME: Absolutely. The use of jets and helicopters during the Korean War marked a significant shift in aerial combat and troop mobility. For example, helicopters transitioned from being simple transport vehicles to crucial assets for evacuations and frontline logistics. Fast forward to contemporary warfare, and we see cutting-edge technologies like drones taking center stage. The Ukrainian conflict has spotlighted this shift, showing how advanced technologies influence not just strategies but also the outcomes of battles.
TNE: The authors also criticize the tactical misjudgments seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, labeling it “PutinS misjudgment.” How do they contextualize this tactical failure compared to past conflicts?
ME: They argue that Russia underestimated Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and resolve,planning a swift annexation that drastically overshot its execution.Unlike previous invasions where sheer military might guaranteed rapid success, this conflict illustrates the contemporary significance of factors like precision weaponry and civilian resistance. The authors contrast this with ancient perspectives, emphasizing that effective strategies now require more than just military superiority—they also need cultural and economic considerations.
TNE: Given these lessons, what do you think military strategists should take away from the analysis presented in the book?
ME: One of the key takeaways is the importance of adaptability. As warfare evolves with technology and societal dynamics, strategists must be willing to pivot and reconsider their approaches. Petraeus and Roberts show that past conflicts, like the Korean War or the Six-Day War, offer timeless lessons on the need for surprise, speed, and non-traditional tactics. They also highlight the increasing importance of cyber warfare and information dominance in modern contests.
TNE: What do you think makes this book particularly engaging for readers who may not have a military background?
ME: The authors have done a commendable job of breaking down complex military strategies into digestible insights. They weave rich narratives, drawing from a variety of conflicts while making the connections to our contemporary world. Moreover, they discuss emotional and psychological factors—like the role of leadership and public morale—that provide depth beyond just tactics and technology. This multidimensional approach makes it accessible and relevant to anyone curious about how conflict shapes our world today.
TNE: Thank you for sharing those insights. As military strategies continue to evolve, what future developments do you foresee based on the trends highlighted in this analysis?
ME: I anticipate a growing focus on hybrid warfare—where conventional military tactics intersect with guerrilla tactics, cyber warfare, and economic factors. We’re also likely to see an increasing role for artificial intelligence and machine learning in strategizing and operational planning. As historical patterns show, militaries that fail to adapt to these emerging trends risk obsolescence. The future will require a blend of innovation and traditional military knowledge to navigate successfully.
TNE: That’s certainly an intriguing outlook. Thank you for your time today and for shedding light on these important discussions surrounding military advancements and strategies. We look forward to seeing how these insights will influence future conflicts.
ME: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these timely topics, and I hope readers will find the book as enlightening as I did.