Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain

'Lively, ingenious and original' Sir Lawrence Freedman From Dr Nicholas Wright, leading neuroscientist and adviser to the Pentagon, discover the new science behind warfare. Why did France lose to the Nazis, despite having more tanks, troops, and guns? How did Ukraine stand firm against Russia? How do you know if you can trust an ally? How can we make clearer decisions under pressure? In Warhead, Nicholas Wright takes us on a fascinating journey through the brain to show us how it shapes our behaviour in conflict and war. Drawing on his work as a neuroscientist, and over a decade advising the Pentagon and the UK Cabinet Office, Wright reveals that, whether we like it or not, the brain is wired for conflict - in the office or on the battlefield. With a unique framework that helps explain today's rising tensions, Warhead brings cutting-edge research to life through battle stories from history. What was it like for a foot soldier at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, or in China's Red Army as it fought to survive and triumph throughout the 1930s and 40s? How could leaders such as World War Two tank commanders, Shaka Zulu, or Winston Churchill see through the fog of conflict, make better decisions, and communicate with those who must carry those decisions out? How will technology shape the future of war? In an increasingly dangerous world, in which our values and success are under threat, Warhead is an essential read to understand why we fight, win and lose wars.

About the Author :
Nicholas Wright is a neuroscientist and medical doctor who researches the brain, technology and security at UCL, Georgetown University and the New America think tank in Washington, DC, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff. He has appeared on CNN, the BBC and national stations in Australia, Sweden and Latin America. He regularly contributes to outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic and Slate.

Review :
A mind-expanding journey through the literal war for our minds. Combines neuroscience, history and memoir in the best traditions of popular science and military history. Invigorating, educational and entertaining Eye-opening ... Warhead is a powerful argument for a greater understanding of the way the brain shapes the nature of war in the past, the present and the future he predicts This remarkable book charts the living history of war and conflict, from what unfolds on the evening news to spellbinding examples from military history Distinctive and fascinating ... Nick Wright reminds us of the true importance of all the various brain functions, wherever they may be in the brain's hierarchy of function I learned a great deal from Nicholas Wright’s unique book about how today’s neuroscience can better explain the workings of the brain, and provide understanding of how our brains feed the roots of human conflict. Highly recommended This is a lively, ingenious and original book. Taking us on a journey through the distinctive parts of the brain, Nicholas Wright is able to make human behaviour during the extreme circumstances of war make more sense Truly original and (unfortunately) timely. Wright combines brain science, history and psychology to challenge our views on war and peace. Would understanding the mind help bring peace or help nations fight better? Perhaps both. Fresh, engaging and provocative A fresh neuroscientific exploration of the science of war. Warhead is for anyone who thinks conflict is explained by cold reason and analysis, rather than by understanding our imperfect brains In the great canon of war literature you will search far and wide for an examination, accessible to all, that considers how the structure of the brain, its chemistry and processes, provides the key to understanding those violent events . . . But now we have Warhead An alarming insider account of how our brains influence conflict . . . Warhead presents an original angle with some illuminating insights