Description: "This book explores the current war in Ukraine and how it is being fought. Ryan focuses on strategy and adaptation as it is being applied by the two belligerents, as well as how those who support Ukraine and Russia have learned and adapted since the large scale Russian invasion of Ukraine commenced in February 2022. The book examines the foundations of Ukrainian and Russian strategy for their war, looking back over several decades of how these two countries have evolved their military strategy and force structure"--
Brief description: Mick Ryan is a recently retired Major General in the Australian army, and an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. During his military career, he commanded at platoon, squadron, regiment, task force, and brigade levels in the Australian Army. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, the USMC Command and Staff College and School of Advanced Warfare, he is an experienced strategist having worked at high levels in this capacity in the Australian and US militaries. He is also a passionate advocate of professional education and lifelong learning.
Review Quotes: "While the book covers many aspects of the war, its focus is on observations about what can be learned by government and military institutions in Ukraine, Europe, and beyond. Ryan argues convincingly that war, the most destructive human endeavor yet devised, is also a complex learning opportunity for military institutions. Thus, he proposes that there are six guidelines that might be useful in a professional, strategic approach to learning and adaptation. In observing the war and analyzing its many lessons, Western military institutions will also have to assess what other potential adversaries might learn from it. China has previously demonstrated a deep capacity for learning and change, given the right political and strategic impetus. As with previous Western conflicts, it is highly likely that Chinese analysts will explore the war in Ukraine for its many relevant lessons. In closing, readers should remember that while this book can only cover part of the war, there are a myriad of old and new observations to be drawn from it. These observations should inform Western military and national security institutions as they attempt to deter--and prepare for--conflicts against the authoritarian powers. The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire earns a prestigious 4 out of 4 trench coats."--The Cipher Brief
"Mick Ryan's book is a timely and astute examination of how the different patterns of leadership, strategy, and organizational culture of Russia and Ukraine shaped the conflict thus far and affected the ability of their militaries to adapt to a rapidly changing battlefield. Perhaps the most poignant lesson of all is that large-scale industrial war in Europe is back, offering new grim data for the study of the future of warfare."--Mariana Budjeryn, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School "In the aftermath of Russia's brutal, unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Mick Ryan quickly emerged as one of the war's essential analysts. Mick brings to bear his extensive command experience and historical understanding to explain the strategies employed by both Moscow and Kyiv, and how they have adapted these strategies. He draws out the lessons which military planners should take from this conflict. Through it all, he never loses his moral compass or his sense of outrage at Russia's behaviour. I commend Mick Ryan's book to anyone wishing to understand the war in Ukraine and its implications for warfare in the twenty-first century."--Michael Fullilove, Executive Director, Lowy Institute"Mick Ryan knows war. As a student, a professor, and a practitioner, he imparts the horrors of Ukraine with brutal but objective truth. From the human to the technological, the tactical to the strategic, this book explores key lessons (identified but not necessarily learned!) from this war with humility. Ryan draws critical insights on how we should think about aggression, vulnerability, what drives and constitutes strategy, and what adaptation really means on the battlefield. This is a must read for all of society; our citizens, politicians, national security leaders, war planners, war fighters, and the industries that supports them. Loved the critical distinction between lessons and lessons learned! SO IMPORTANT."--Rebecca Shrimpton, Director, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
"This wonderful book shows Mick Ryan's excellence as a teacher of military strategy and adaptation in warfare. He's observed carefully and often at close range the choices Ukraine and Russia have made to achieve their objectives in the war. I hope it will be required reading in staff and war colleges, as well as garnering a wide public readership."--Kori Schake, Director of Foreign and Defense Policy, American Enterprise Institute "The War for Ukraine combines deep yet accessible military expertise with admirable moral clarity, and an acute sense of both the geopolitical stakes and human cost of this war. Moving at speed, Mick Ryan cuts through the fogs of war and social media alike to illuminate the operations, tactics and strategy that have shaped the conflict. The lessons he draws from Ukraine's fight, particularly on the need for grand strategic alignment of political, military and economic means and ends, are ones that all democratic leaders must heed if we are to prevail in the conflict against authoritarian regimes."--Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow, German Council on Foreign Relations "Eschewing the breathless focus on the employment of technology that dominates too much commentary on the Russo-Ukraine War, Mick Ryan valuably tackles the strategic level of the conflict before honing in on how both sides have adapted. Ryan's sound insights will most benefit current and future military professionals who have the grave responsibility of preparing for future warfare."--Heather Venable, USAF Air Command and Staff College "While Russian aggression against Ukraine is undoubtedly a huge tragedy, the biggest interstate war in Europe since 1945 brought strategy and warfighting back to the centre stage of world politics and people's attention. Thus, Mick Ryan's book is a solid attempt to paint a comprehensive picture of the first 18-months of Big War at different levels with diverse conclusions worthy of broader attention and consideration. In the process the author managed to highlight the eternal issue of continuity and change in strategy and warfighting using specific examples of Russo-Ukrainian War while constantly reminding that every war is unique and context dependent. I believe this book about the ongoing Ukrainian confrontation with Russia will aid countries which cherish peace and security to quickly learn back the art of strategy and warfighting, which atrophied after the end of the Cold War. Hopefully policymakers will heed General Ryan's reminder that in the end superior supply of munitions and materials is the source of victories in wars of attrition and support Ukraine for pricy lessons and conclusions gained since 24 Feb 2022"--Mykola Bielieskov, National Institute for Strategic Studies in Ukraine