From Dr Nicholas Wright, a leading neuroscientist and advisor to the Pentagon, discover a new perspective on the human brain and on war.

Why did France’s defenders lose to the Nazis, despite having more tanks, troops, and guns? How did Ukraine stand firm against Russia? How do you know if you can trust an ally? How can we make clearer decisions under pressure?

In Warhead, Nicholas Wright takes us on a journey through the brain to show us how it shapes human behaviour in conflict and war. Drawing on his neuroscience expertise and over a decade’s work with the Pentagon, Wright also reveals that, whether we like it or not, the brain is not only built for everyday life, but is wired for conflict. Whether that be in the office or on the battlefield.

Warhead brings cutting-edge research to life through battle stories from history: What was it like for a foot soldier at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, or in China’s Red Army as it fought to survive and triumph throughout the 1930s and 40s? How could leaders such as World War Two tank commanders, Shaka Zulu, or Winston Churchill see through the fog of conflict, make better decisions, and communicate with those who must carry those decisions out? How will humans shape war’s technological futures? Warhead examines why global tensions are rising and how we can defuse them.

In an increasingly dangerous world in which our values and success are under threat, it is essential to understand why humans fight, lose, and win wars, and harness this knowledge to protect our way of life.