Book Review: World War II Battles Reconsidered: Game Theory and Decision Science Perspecti

Cover for World War II Battles Reconsidered: Game Theory and Decision Science Perspectives on Gazala, El Alamein, Falaise, and Arnhem

War and Strategy |

Author: Mark Thompson

| Reviewed by: Lieutenant Colonel Andy Nichols, US Army War College class of 2024

Former Harvard professor Mark Thompson applies cutting-edge decision science and game theory to four pivotal World War II battles, revealing how strategic missteps and psychological biases shaped their outcomes. From Gazala’s disastrous command decisions to Arnhem’s flawed reliance on surprise, each case is dissected with analytical precision and historical depth. This groundbreaking study challenges conventional military narratives and offers a fresh lens on leadership, risk, and battlefield logic.