The case against the United States' illegal and unnecessary wars from "one of the most respected and outspoken military leaders of the past two decades" ( 60 Minutes ).

For the better part of the last half century, the United States has been the World's Police, claiming to defend ideologies, allies, and our national security through brute force. But is military action always the most appropriate response?

Drawing on his vast experience, from combat in Vietnam to peacekeeping in Somalia, to war games in Washington, DC, and negotiations with former rebels in the Philippines, retired four-star General Tony Zinni argues that we have a lot of work to do to make the process of going to war—or not—more clear-eyed and ultimately successful. He examines the relationship between the executive and the military (including the difference between passive and engaged presidents); the failures of the Joint Chief of Staff; the challenges of working with the UN, coalition forces, and NATO; the difference between young, on the ground officers and less savvy senior leaders; the role of special forces and drone warfare; and the difficult choices that need to be made to create tomorrow's military.

From the Oval Office to the battlefield, Before the First Shots Are Fired is a hard-hitting analysis of the history of America's use of military action and a spirited call for change.

"A thoughtful examination of what is wrong with American strategy." — The Washington Times

"Should be mandatory reading for every president and politician involved in decisions to send America's first class and lance corporals into harm's way." — Marine Corps Gazette

Tony Koltz