The Origins of Victory

How Disruptive Military Innovation Determines the Fates of Great Powers

By: Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr

Narrated by: Adam Barr

This book by military strategist Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr., is the definitive take on the race for military dominance in the twenty-first century. It shows how militaries that successfully pursue disruptive innovation can gain a major advantage over their rivals, while those that fail to do so risk exposing their countries to great danger.

The Precision Warfare Revolution, introduced by the US military in the First Gulf War, found the United States enjoying a near monopoly in this form of warfare for several decades. But now other powers have these capabilities. The US military also confronts an emerging military revolution driven by advances across a wide range of technologies—from artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to quantum computing and additive manufacturing.

To stay competitive, the US military must pursue disruptive innovation in a race with other militaries to exploit war's changing character. Clues exist as to the winner's identity. They are revealed by militaries that went beyond the bounds of mere innovation to overturn the existing forms of warfare, changing the course of history and the fate of nations. Through exploring their experiences, Krepinevich shows how the US military can win the race to identify and exploit the "next big thing" in warfare.

©2023 Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr. (P)2023 Tantor

Eye opening

Well done look at disruptive innovations and the impact on military outcomes thur history. Sadly I think we still have lessons to learn.

Interesting listen

If you are interested in the potential impact of strategic thinking and preparation for and deployment of disruptive technologies then this book will be of interest. Also, if you’ve read more than a few books by former military officers then you’ll know that those written by former US officers are mostly dry as dirt requiring perseverance to get through while those written by former British officers (Richard Dainett, Rupert Smith, for example tend to be well written, lucid and easier to complete.
This book follows that pattern. It is very dry and the narration is painful at normal speed. I had to increase the speed to make it through.
Still the content is interesting and useful and much of it was new to me.

Great for Military Officers

Great book for those in the service, it synthesizes many of the lessons of PME into a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a criteria for identifying and implementing change.

Great relevance in our current world.

Great relevance for all in the military acquisition world. Highly recommended for anyone interested in continuous transformation.

Interesting Listen

Liked how the author pointed out how different military powers succeeded in preparing for the next war. The closing part of the book about how the US has no strategic focus was excellent.