From Reviews:
"The work . . . is devoted to regional conflicts, inter alia because of the (quite
sensible) assumption that in the foreseeable future, 'the United States will probably
encounter challengers who have some peer capabilities . . . and supraregional appetites,'
but that it is 'unlikely that any power has, or will in the near term have, both the
ambitions and the resources necessary to mount a global challenge to the United
States.'" (NOD and Conversion)
"In Sources of Conflict in the 21st Century, Khalilzad and Lesser examine current
political trends and potential sources of conflict in three regions (Asia, the Greater
Middle East, and Europe and the former Soviet Union) through the year 2025. Individual
chapters provide detailed discussion of regional trends and their implications for
strategy and planning. In addition, the authors describe three possible alternative future
"worlds", each with their own meanings for strategic planning. These possible
futures include a projection of today's mixed political climate, a more benign world in
which the great powers are at peace and are actively cooperative, and a world beset with
economic, demographic, and political turmoil. Sources of Conflict in the 21st Century
provides a thorough analysis and a careful future forecasting of the world political
climate that defense planners will need to prepare accordingly for the challenges of the
21st century. Sources of Conflict in the 21st Century is recommended reading for students
of political science, international studies, and military science." (The Midwest
Book Review)
"Covers nearly everything: nine tenets about global trends in the next 25 years,
three alternative future worlds, wild cards, regional analyses, and specific scenarios of
functional challenges. . . . This excellent study touches nearly all the bases--except
information warfare..." (Future Survey)
"Anyone who . . . was . . . preparing to lie back and enjoy a world where history
has almost ended should study the list of 'wild cards' drawn up by the RAND Corporation,
the Pentagon's favourite think-tank, in a study for the United States Air Force on
possible future sources of conflict." (The Economist)
"The Air Force report is sure to show up in future thrillers. . . . Occasionally
an academic study prepared for a professional audience transcends its original purpose and
appeals to a much broader readership. Sources of Conflict in the 21st Century is such a
study. . . . These . . . suggested . . . crisis scenarios--such as a conflict between
Taiwan and China or a war between Russia and Ukraine--are likely to show up in future
works by the likes of Tom Clancy or Ken Follett. Sources of Conflict offers a highly
readable, well-informed resource for readers with an interest in world affairs and
America's future." (Grand Rapids Press)
"The analysis is well-structured, sharp, and professional . . . The brief
presentation of nine conflict scenarios in the appendix . . . gives a reader some food for
thought about risk assessment as practised by the USA." (Journal of Peace
Research)
"This useful book is aimed primarily at defense planners, whose task, it is
argued, has become more difficult since the Cold War's end. The editors and other
contributors attempt to ease the plight of their intended audience by, essentially,
bounding the range of strategic uncertainty with which it is confronted. . . . For
faculty, advanced undergraduates and graduate students, and researchers and
practitioners." (CHOICE)
