How to Make War

Published in 1982 by Morrow, James F. Dunnigan's 'How to Make War' emerged during the height of the Cold War, a period marked by intense public interest in global military strategy and geopolitical tension. Dunnigan, a prominent designer of wargames, intended this work to demystify the complex mechanics of modern warfare for a civilian audience. By utilizing a systems-based approach similar to his game design methodology, he sought to explain how armies are organized, how weapons perform in the field, and how logistical realities dictate the outcome of conflicts.

The book is notable for its analytical, dispassionate approach to combat, treating the machinery of war with a technical rigor that eschewed political rhetoric. Critics and military enthusiasts praised the work for its accessibility and clarity, noting that it provided a comprehensive framework for understanding military capabilities that was previously confined to specialized academic or professional circles. Over the decades, it has remained a staple for those interested in military science and has been revised in subsequent editions to reflect the evolving landscape of global defense technology.