Overview

An original conceptual approach to the study of war, attempting to capture the entire phenomenon of military adaptation whether strategic, institutional or in the field. The unravelling of the post-Cold War order has intensified geopolitical tensions, driving a global increase in defence spending. Most military organisations are engaged in a process of drastic transformation, trying to scale their activities, learn from contemporary battlefields, and improve readiness. Yet armed forces engaged in such reforms must solve a major dilemma: how to adapt to an uncertain future without losing their current identity, coherence or operational effectiveness. In this incisive and timely study, Olivier Schmitt explores how modern militaries adapt, or fail to adapt, to evolving threats, technologies and political constraints. Drawing on global case-studies from the trenches of Ukraine to the halls of the People's Liberation Army leadership he investigates how social expectations, political constraints and organisational cultures collide in the worldwide quest to reform the military. Essential reading for defence professionals, policymakers and scholars of international security, Preparing for War equips readers with the tools to grasp not only the 'how' but the 'why' behind military transformation. In an era of rising defence budgets and shrinking certainties, this book delivers crucial insights into the future of war and the institutions that must be ready for it.

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9781805265269

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Reviews

‘Effective military change is central to success in war. Schmitt provides a powerful analytical framework for understanding how armed forces adapt and when they innovate. He shows how technology, civil–military relations and organisational flexibility interact to drive change. In the era of the Ukraine War, this book is indispensable.’ -- <b>Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor and President, La Trobe University</b> ‘Schmitt’s dissection of the mechanics and dynamics of military transformation are particularly helpful for planners and practitioners. He offers a timeless analytical grid focusing on cognitive, institutional and relational structures applicable to our current context of major and multi-dimensional systemic change. A tall task and an original approach, masterfully accomplished.' -- <b>Beatrice Heuser, Head of Strategy, General Staff College of the German Bundeswehr, and author of <i>Flawed Strategy: Why Smart Leaders Make Bad Decisions</i></b> ‘A first-rate analysis of change across the full spectrum of war, from adapting to various types of conflict to understanding the influence of military cultures. Schmitt examines the latest developments for the integration of AI, dual-use technologies and future systems warfare: essential reading for the modern strategist.' -- <b>Rob Johnson, Director of the Changing Character of War Centre, University of Oxford</b> ‘An indispensable guide for leaders who must resolve the enduring tension between exploiting existing capabilities and exploring novel solutions. Comprehensive yet practical, enthusiastically recommended for institutional leaders and students of innovation.’ -- <b>Frank Hoffman, author of <i>Mars Adapting: Military Change During War</i></b>

Author Information

Olivier Schmitt is Associate Professor and Head of Research at the Institute for Military Operations, Royal Danish Defence College, and Senior Non-Resident Associate Fellow at the NATO Defence College. His previous books include the co-edited volume War Time: Temporality and the Decline of Western Military Power.

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