How Wars End: The Politics of War

American and allied military forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan have often achieved operational military victories only to struggle with postwar turmoil and political instability. In How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle (Simon & Schuster, October 2010), author Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs, examines U.S. involvement in wars throughout the last century and the American tendency to focus on battlefield victories over more complex and lasting political outcomes.

On December 14, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings will host Rose for a discussion on How Wars End. Drawing on the choices faced by past presidents and their advisers, Rose will address the political aspects of war, and the critical importance of postwar planning to truly achieving success in Afghanistan, Iraq, and future military engagements.

Martin Indyk, vice president and director of Foreign Policy at Brookings, will provide introductory remarks. Senior Fellow Peter W. Singer, director of the 21st Century Defense Initiative, will moderate the discussion. After his remarks, Rose will take audience questions.