The Dragons and the Snakes: How the Rest Learned to Fight the West

The fall of the USSR has led to the emergence of new threats, such as hybrid and urban warfare, political manipulation, and digital technology, which pose a serious threat to America and its allies. David Kilcullen's book "The Dragons and the Snakes" reveals how these threats have been learned and how the West can respond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The CIA director, who was newly appointed in 1993, cautioned that the West had vanquished a formidable dragon with the collapse of the Soviet Union, but now confronted a bewildering array of venomous snakes. Since then, both dragons, such as state adversaries like Russia and China, and snakes, such as terrorist and guerrilla organizations, have observed the United States' struggles in Iraq and Afghanistan and developed innovative strategies in response. These strategies include hybrid and urban warfare, political manipulation, and the utilization of digital technology.

Leading soldier-scholar David Kilcullen unveils the invaluable insights gained by the West's adversaries from the twenty-first century conflicts, shedding light on their cutting-edge tactics and remarkable adaptability. He emphasizes how these tactics pose a significant threat to America and its allies, undermining the West's military advantage. The Dragons and the Snakes offers a captivating and unconventional perspective on the intricate and rapidly evolving global landscape. Kilcullen challenges our preconceived notions about the West's foes and provides valuable insights on how the West can adapt and respond effectively.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 215 x 141 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787387218