Guide on Strategies for Ending Wars
In a curated selection by Caroline Rose, Tammy Palacios, and Calvin Wilder from the New Lines Institute, a series of books have been highlighted to provide valuable insights into conflict termination. Titled "The War Books," this collection features experts recommending books on a particular topic, with the current installment focusing on books about conflict termination.
One of the recommended reads is "Conflict Termination and Military Strategy: Coercion, Persuasion, and War," edited by Stephen J. Cimbala and Keith A. Dunn. This book explores the favorable and unfavorable conditions for conflict termination, assessing different great-power perspectives and impetuses for withdrawal.
Another notable recommendation is David R. Marples' book, "The War in Ukraine's Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future," which examines the protracted conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region from 2016 to 2020, focusing on the historical, political, and geopolitical imperatives for extended Russian territorial contestation.
The book "The Battle for Syria," written by Christopher Phillips, assesses how the outbreak of civil war in Syria has extended into an intractable geopolitical tug-of-war that has lasted well over a decade.
These recommendations are valuable for affecting change in areas outside your purview, representing lessons learned from past military hearts-and-minds-style engagements. For instance, the book explores why many post-9/11 conflicts have extended into intractable, long-term ungoverned spaces and contested territories.
Moreover, the book identifies Russian long-term interests to extend influence in the Donbas and the necessary steps for de-escalation and eventual conflict termination. However, it is important to note that the book pre-dates the onset of Russia's ongoing intervention in Ukraine.
In addition to these recommendations, the New Lines Institute suggests "The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism" by Keyu Jin, providing nuanced insights on China’s economic and political system, which is essential context for conflict dynamics involving China.
Another book recommended is "Getting Russia Right" by Thomas Graham, which presents a realistic, pragmatic approach to the U.S.-Russia relationship, explaining the historical and structural factors that must be considered for effective conflict termination between great powers, including lessons on negotiation and diplomacy.
For those seeking books specifically targeting conflict termination theory and practice beyond foreign policy, resources such as the High Conflict Institute offer practical strategies and literature on managing high-conflict situations through communication and negotiation techniques.
Should you desire a more direct New Lines Institute publication list, consulting their official website or publications would provide more specific recommendations. It is important to note that the views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
Caroline Rose, the director of the Project on the Captagon Trade and the Project on Post-Withdrawal Security Landscapes at the New Lines Institute, emphasises the book's focus on the blind spots of decision-making in conflict termination, citing a lack of methods to successfully measure long-term progress, quickly respond to battlefield realities to adjust strategies, and conduct a smooth transition as forces withdraw.
In conclusion, the New Lines Institute's recommendations offer a comprehensive and insightful look into conflict termination, providing valuable perspectives on diplomacy, international relations, and foreign policy. These books serve as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of conflict termination and the strategies needed for successful resolution.
- The book "Conflict Termination and Military Strategy: Coercion, Persuasion, and War" offers insights into favorable and unfavorable conditions for conflict termination, making it useful for those pursuing leadership roles in counterterrorism and defense.
- "The War in Ukraine's Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future" by David R. Marples provides valuable information about the historical, political, and geopolitical imperatives that lead to extended conflict in certain regions, such as Ukraine's Donbas.
- For readers seeking a more holistic approach to conflict termination, books like "The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism" offer nuanced insights into China’s economic and political system, which can provide context for conflict dynamics involving China.
- books such as "Getting Russia Right" by Thomas Graham offer practical guidance on negotiating and diplomacy with great powers like Russia, providing invaluable lessons for those involved in counterterrorism, defense, and security strategy.
