Three Dangerous Men: Russia, China, Iran and the Rise of Irregular Warfare

The US is unprepared for the future of global competition due to its focus on traditional warfare capabilities while its rivals have adopted irregular warfare techniques such as cyber-attacks,proxy forces,propaganda,espionage,and disinformation. Defence expert Seth Jones profiles three pioneers of irregular warfare in Moscow,Beijing,and Tehran who have adapted American techniques to avoid a conventional or nuclear war with the US. Jones argues that the US must take steps to alter how it thinks about and engages in competition before it is too late.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In his book "Three Dangerous Men," defense expert Seth Jones makes a compelling argument that the United States is inadequately prepared for the challenges posed by the future of global competition. While America has invested heavily in developing fighter jets, missiles, and conventional warfighting capabilities, its three principal rivals, Russia, China, and Iran, have adopted a more unconventional approach to warfare. These rivals have resorted to a range of tactics, including cyber-attacks, the use of proxy forces, propaganda, espionage, and disinformation, to undermine American power.

To better understand the strategies employed by these adversaries, Jones profiles three pioneers of irregular warfare in Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran. These individuals have adapted American techniques and achieved significant gains without engaging in traditional warfare. The first profile is of Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, who played a crucial role in overseeing a resurgence of Russian irregular warfare. This includes attempts to undermine the 2016 and 2020 US presidential elections and the SolarWinds cyber-attack. Gerasimov's expertise in studying American power has helped him develop techniques to avoid a conventional or nuclear war with the United States.

The second profile is of the deceased Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, who was instrumental in expanding Iranian power in the Middle East. Soleimani's effectiveness in this role led to his assassination by the United States, highlighting the risks associated with challenging American dominance.

The third profile is of vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, who presents the most alarming challenge due to China's increasing power and potential. Zhang has spent his career studying American power and has devised techniques to avoid a conventional or nuclear war with the United States. His insights into Chinese military strategy and his ability to adapt American techniques make him a formidable adversary.

Through extensive interviews with US military, diplomatic, and intelligence officials, as well as hundreds of documents translated from Russian, Farsi, and Mandarin, Jones provides a detailed account of how America's rivals have damaged its reputation and seized territory worldwide. He demonstrates that the United States has largely abandoned the kind of information, special operations, intelligence, and economic and diplomatic action that helped win the Cold War.

In conclusion, "Three Dangerous Men" is a thought-provoking book that highlights the growing threat posed by irregular warfare and the need for the United States to adapt its strategies to confront these challenges. By profiling the individuals and strategies employed by Russia, China, and Iran, Jones provides valuable insights into the tactics and techniques used by these adversaries. The book also underscores the importance of maintaining American dominance in the global arena and the need for proactive measures to counter the threats posed by these three dangerous men.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 139 x 209 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324050568