An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Library : Chairmans Leadership Library : Fiction
Books

Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War 

August Cole and P. W. Singer

Summary: A fictional story which imagines a future war fought with cutting-edge technologies between the U.S. and China. Blending fiction with real-world trends the story is build around current and emerging technologies, geopolitical trends, and military capabilities.

Reasons to Read: The books futurist narrative is a vivid description of why we need a sense of urgency in ensuring the Joint Force is properly armed, globally integrated, and ready to fight. It blends cutting-edge technology, emerging threats, and geopolitical tension into a plausible scenario for future war. It’s a vivid prompt for leaders to consider how readiness, adaptation, and innovation determine advantage in high-stakes conflict.

2034: A Novel of the Next World War

Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis

Summary: Set in the year 2034, this cautionary novel depicts a global war sparked by cyberattacks and escalating tensions between superpowers. It’s a strategic and character-driven narrative that reads like a blueprint for future conflict. A chilling but compelling look into how wars might begin.

Reasons to Read: The story encourages the reader to think critically about the dangers of miscommunication and escalation, the role of technology and artificial intelligence in war, and the fragile balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Once an Eagle

Anton Myrer

Summary: A military epic that spans decades and multiple conflicts from the perspectives to two U.S. Army officers. These officers are juxtaposed in their approach to leadership with one honorable, selfless, loyal and soldier-oriented, while the other is ambitious, manipulative, politically savvy, and superior officer-oriented.

Reasons to Read: As much a study on the moral foundations of military leadership, the breadth of the story also offers insights on changing styles of warfare and evolution of the American military over multiple decades.

 

 Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

Steven Pressfield

Summary: A vivid retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of a Spartan warrior. It explores valor, brotherhood, and philosophical reflections on death and duty.

Reasons to Read: A powerful, immersive retelling of courage under impossible odds. It explores the warrior ethos, the bonds forged in shared hardship, and the mindset required to face fear, endure suffering, and prevail.

Chairman's Corner

 

In a short video, Gen Caine explains why he recommends these "Modern Defense Studies" titles.


 

Additional Recommendations

 

 

Revolution in Military Affairs — “P.W. Singer and the Power of Useful Fiction” (Dec 31, 2024)
Shows how blending fact and imagination can sharpen strategic foresight—a direct companion to works like Ghost Fleet.

 

The Cognitive Crucible — “August Cole on FICINT” (Episode #33)
Explains how fictional intelligence helps leaders stress-test assumptions and explore operational dilemmas before they occur.

 

 

 

              

 

Blackhawk Down (2001)
Offers a rich set of lessons across tactical, strategic, and human dimensions of warfare, including the unpredictable and confusion of urban warfare.