Includes bibliographical references (p. 185-197) and index.

Tomorrow's problems here today? -- The changing nature of our society I -- The evolving character of conflict I -- The evolving character of conflict II -- The challenge of communication -- What military operations can learn from mushy peas, soap and budget airlines -- Strategic communication and military enablers -- Influence and perception -- The science of influence -- Postscript : the sounds of battle and Soviet factories.

It will be people's behavior, and the West's ability to understand, interpret and influence that behavior which will become the defining characteristic of resolving future armed disputes. The authors argue that future conflicts will be best resolved by focusing attention on altering the behaviors of others, either in advance - and therefore deterring conflict - or as a coupled component in the process of combat and post-combat operations. They also argue that Western Armies have learned too many lessons the hard way and been found wanting too easily. Here is the argument for a fundamental rethink of the way that the West's militaries are organized, educated, trained and deployed.