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)
