Book Reviews

S ome of my colleagues point to the Russia-Ukraine War and claim that "it's 1938," alluding to the last year before World War II began in Europe.They believe that ongoing war will prove to be the first phase of what will become a world war between an alliance of democracies against a coalition of dictatorial powers such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.This daunting thought was in my mind as I read Mick Ryan's superb book, The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation under Fire.The author has done a tremendous service by delving deeply into the strategies of Russia, Ukraine, and Ukraine's NATO supporters and exploring how the Russians and Ukrainians adapted during the war-on the battlefield and institutionally.Ryan breaks the book into two parts.In part 1, he explores strategy.Russian President Vladimir Putin was the aggressor who sought to change Russia's status in Europe and even globally.Ryan analyzes how Putin based his strategy on poor prewar assumptions and how the Russians went "bumbling along" after their failed coup de main.Meanwhile, the Ukrainians survived and developed a theory of victory: a strategy of corrosion.Ryan delves into how American and NATO strategies can effectively support the Ukrainians and addresses the strategic leadership of the two belligerents, including how they each use narratives as part of their efforts.Ryan demonstrates how Volodymyr Zelensky, like Winston Churchill, mobilized language to keep his cause alive in its darkest hour.He also explores Putin's efforts.The last chapter of part 1 reviews seven strategic lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War:1. Strategy matters.2. Strategic assumptions drive success and failure.3. Leadership and will are essential.