Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain

(Paperback)

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'Lively, ingenious and original' Sir Lawrence Freedman From Dr Nicholas Wright, leading neuroscientist and adviser to the Pentagon, discover the new science behind warfare. Why did France lose to the Nazis, despite having more tanks, troops, and guns How did Ukraine stand firm against Russia How do you know if you can trust an ally How can we make clearer decisions under pressure In Warhead, Nicholas Wright takes us on a fascinating journey through the brain to show us how it shapes our behaviour in conflict and war. Drawing on his work as a neuroscientist, and over a decade advising the Pentagon and the UK Cabinet Office, Wright reveals that, whether we like it or not, the brain is wired for conflict - in the office or on the battlefield. With a unique framework that helps explain today's rising tensions, Warhead brings cutting-edge research to life through battle stories from history. What was it like for a foot soldier at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, or in China's Red Army as it fought to survive and triumph throughout the 1930s and 40s How could leaders such as World War Two tank commanders, Shaka Zulu, or Winston Churchill see through the fog of conflict, make better decisions, and communicate with those who must carry those decisions out How will technology shape the future of war In an increasingly dangerous world, in which our values and success are under threat, Warhead is an essential read to understand why we fight, win and lose wars.

Reviews

A mind-expanding journey through the literal war for our minds. Combines neuroscience, history and memoir in the best traditions of popular science and military history. Invigorating, educational and entertaining -- Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University and award-winning author of How to Win an Information War and Nothing is True and Everything is Possible
This remarkable book charts the living history of war and conflict, from what unfolds on the evening news to spellbinding examples from military history. Nicholas Wrights analysis of our capacity for planning, introspection, perspective taking and metacognition lays bare our capacity for deceit, dehumanisation and destruction. However, the books dnouement revisits these fundamentals of the human mind, and they point to another path a path in which the horrors of war can be avoided through our complementary capacities for consciousness, communication and construction -- Karl Friston, Professor of Neuroscience at University College London
In a survival scenario, such as war, fundamental questions arise: How do we survive hunger How can we think when tired How do we detect deception How do we choose our collaborators In war, if we cant answer these questions, we will doom ourselves and many others as well. In this distinctive and fascinating book, Nick Wright reminds us of the true importance of all the various brain functions, wherever they may be in the brain's hierarchy of function -- Chris Frith, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology at University College London, and author of Making up the Mind
This is a lively, ingenious and original book. Taking us on a journey through the distinctive parts of the brain, Nicholas Wright is able to make human behaviour during the extreme circumstances of war make more sense -- Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings College London
I learned a great deal from Nicholas Wrights unique book about how todays neuroscience can better explain the workings of the brain, and provide understanding of how our brains feed the roots of human conflict. Highly recommended -- Sir David Omand, Professor at the War Studies Department of Kings College London, and former Director of GCHQ

Author Bio

Nicholas Wright is a neuroscientist and medical doctor who researches the brain, technology and security at UCL, Georgetown University and the New America think tank in Washington, DC, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff. He has appeared on CNN, the BBC and national stations in Australia, Sweden and Latin America. He regularly contributes to outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic and Slate.