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Warhead

How the Brain Shapes War and War Shaped Our Brain
By Nicholas Wright
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Brief Description
Lively, ingenious and originalSir Lawrence Freedman Discover the new science behind warfare, from Dr Nicholas Wright, leading neuroscientist and adviser to the Pentagon. Why did France lose to the Nazis, despite its defenders having more tanks, troops and guns? How did Ukraine repel Russia's initial onslaught?... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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An essential book for understanding our divided world, this is the story of conflict, survival and our most important organ: the brain. From a renowned neuroscientist and strategic adviser to the UK and US governments.

An essential book for understanding our divided world from a renowned brain surgeon and strategic advisor to the UK and US governments

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Lively, ingenious and original
Sir Lawrence Freedman

Discover the new science behind warfare, from Dr Nicholas Wright, leading neuroscientist and adviser to the Pentagon.

Why did France lose to the Nazis, despite its defenders having more tanks, troops and guns? How did Ukraine repel Russia's initial onslaught? 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 why, if we want to understand warfare, we must first look inside our own heads. Drawing on his work as a neuroscientist and over a decade spent advising the Pentagon and the UK government, he reveals how, 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 and how to defuse them, Warhead brings cutting-edge research to life through stories from across history. What was it like for a foot soldier at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815? How did Shaka Zulu or Winston Churchill see through the fog of conflict, make better decisions and communicate with their troops? How will human conflict shape our future technologies?

In an increasingly dangerous world that threatens our values and success, Warhead is an essential read to understand why we fight, lose and win wars.

A mind-expanding journey . . . invigorating, educational and entertaining
- Peter Pomerantsev, author of How to Win an Information War

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035014002

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 June 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pan Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 136.0mm

Height: 201.0mm

Weight: 274g

Pages: 400

Collections

Addiction & Recovery Education & Reference Nicholas Wright Non-Fiction Politics & Current Affairs

About the Author

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.

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  • Warhead
    Lively, ingenious and original — Sir Lawrence Freedman Discover the new science behind warfare. From Dr Nicholas Wright, leading neuroscientist and adviser to the Pentagon. Why did France lose to the Nazis, despite its defenders having more tanks, troops, and guns? How did Ukraine repel Russia’s initial onslaught? How do you know if you can trust an ally? How can...
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  • Warhead
    '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...
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