War in Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, and the Return of a Fractured World; The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire; A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force

Authors

Frank Hoffman

Abstract

This review examines three pivotal books—War in Ukraine, The War for Ukraine, and A Call to Action—that collectively offer a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and its broader military and strategic implications. Drawing parallels to the U.S. Army’s transformation post-Yom Kippur War, the review highlights Ukraine’s decentralized command model and adaptive warfare as crucial advantages over Russia’s rigid, artillery-centric doctrine. Contributions from military experts, including Lieutenant Colonel Jay Bradley and Colonel Jamon Junius, delve into Ukraine’s effective use of mission command and modernized targeting systems, despite technological limitations and residual Soviet influence. Each book serves a distinct purpose: Brands’s work focuses on U.S. national security strategy, Ryan’s on professional military education, and A Call to Action on tactical battlefield insights. Together, they provide timely and layered perspectives across operational levels, marking them as leading works on contemporary warfare in Ukraine.

Recommended Citation

Frank Hoffman, "War in Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, and the Return of a Fractured World; The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire; A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force," Joint Force Quarterly 117 (2nd Quarter 2025), 93-95, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol117/iss2/14.