Selling War

Main Themes and Topics

by Steven J. Alvarez explores the crucial theme of communication and its impact on military operations during the Iraq War. At the heart of this book is the critique of how the U.S. military's communication strategies, or lack thereof, contributed to operational failures in Iraq. Alvarez focuses on the "information war," highlighting how the U.S. military targeted the wrong audiences, engaging Western media while neglecting Iraqi citizens and the broader Arab world. The theme of misunderstanding cultural and regional contexts is prevalent throughout the book, illustrating how these missteps allowed adversaries like Al Qaeda and ISIS to fill the communication void left by the U.S. forces.

The book also addresses the challenges and missteps in public relations within a military context. Alvarez provides a thorough examination of how outdated strategies and misaligned communication goals hindered efforts to stabilize Iraq post-invasion. The theme extends to the consequences of these failures, including the eventual rise of ISIS and renewed U.S. military intervention.

Writing Style and Tone

Alvarez's writing style in is analytical and backed by comprehensive research, offering readers a deep dive into the inner workings of military public affairs. He writes with a sense of urgency and clarity, reflecting his personal involvement and the gravity of the subject matter. The tone of the book is critical yet informative, with Alvarez providing a candid assessment of the military's PR strategies. His firsthand experiences add a layer of authenticity, making his insights both credible and engaging. Throughout the book, Alvarez maintains a professional yet accessible tone, aiming to inform and educate the reader on complex military and communication issues.

Criticism

While is a thorough critique of military communication strategies, some readers might find the focus on PR mechanisms too narrow. Critics may argue that Alvarez's account leans heavily on personal experiences and perspectives, which might limit the broader applicability of his conclusions. However, his detailed analysis and firsthand account provide valuable insights into the specific failures and challenges faced by military public affairs.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

In , Steven J. Alvarez provides a critical examination of the U.S. military's public affairs strategy during the Iraq War. The book details how ineffective communication and a lack of engagement with the Iraqi population and Arab world led to significant operational challenges and the eventual resurgence of hostile forces like ISIS. Through a combination of personal experiences and in-depth research, Alvarez highlights the need for updated and culturally aware communication strategies to succeed in modern information warfare.