Henry Davis IV's Reviews > Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict

Having both a professional and personal interest in strategy (especially military strategy), I have read a variety of books on this topic that run the gamut from well-written and thought provoking works to a motley collection of essays about random pursuits that claim to be "strategic" (using the term very, very loosely). To my great pleasure as a Star Wars fan from youth, this book falls solidly into the former category. Although contributions come from authors with varying backgrounds like science fiction writers and professional Soldiers, each section is well written and argued whether you agree with their particular point or not. Having served multiple tours with the American Army in South Korea like this book's main editor and conceiver, I can understand how using a fictional conflict like Star Wars to discuss strategy with foreign military counterparts (in this case South Korean) would be easier than drawing upon something that is either alien to them (the American Civil War) or to us (the Samurai Invasions). This is a must read book for anyone who is serious about strategy. The fact many people of my generation and profession are Star Wars fans is just a bonus. While one could argue fiction lacks the depth and breadth encapsulated in real conflicts so is not worthy of critical examination; my counterpoint would be because even well written fiction lacks the depth and breadth of real conflict it provides enough context to spur recommendations and debate while leaving enough open to interpretation to foster creativity and present different perspectives. Real conflict does need to be studied to create or keep current strategists relevant which is why history education is so important, but that does not negate the value of critically examining fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military or political strategy, military planning, operational design, deterrence theory, counterinsurgency, or the future of warfare (we will have Vulture Droids before you know it).