Out of the Mountains

In Out of the Mountains, David Kilcullen explores how future conflicts are likely to unfold in sprawling coastal cities and urban areas worldwide, emphasizing the importance of resilience over stability. He examines the impact of megatrends such as urbanization, population growth, coastal settlement, and connectivity, highlighting the evolving nature of danger in densely populated, electronically connected environments. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and a unified theory of "competitive control," Kilcullen discusses how nonstate armed groups and social conflicts will shape tomorrow's challenges. The book offers insights into how local communities, alongside outside expertise, can work together to confront a complex and rapidly changing future.