The Right Way to Lose a War

The book explores why the United States has struggled to win wars since World War II, highlighting the challenges of adapting to modern guerrilla conflicts and the resulting stalemates in conflicts like Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Based on interviews with military and political leaders, it offers a strategic framework—surge, talk, and leave—for effectively withdrawing from unsuccessful campaigns without losing core values. Combining powerful stories with analysis, the book provides insights into managing battlefield failures and guiding America back toward victory.