A book by two retired United States military officers examining the strategy, technology, and factors behind Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day 2020 conflict was presented, AZERTAC reported.
Book Presentation in Baku
The Centre for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism alongside the Baku Book Center organized the presentation of the volume titled “The War for Karabakh: Strategy, Technology, and Victory.” Authored by Liam Collins and John Spencer, the publication details the historical context of the Garabagh conflict and investigates the operational decisions that shaped the outcomes of the 2020 Patriotic War.
Organizers hosted the event in Baku on November 3, drawing attention to a study that covers troop modernization, military planning, and the coordination of various branches of the armed forces during the campaign.
Challenging Assumptions on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Collins and Spencer push back against the widespread narrative that unmanned aerial vehicles were the main driver of Azerbaijan’s military success. The authors argue that hardware alone did not decide the campaign, pointing instead to broader state and economic development, deliberate capability building, advanced military strategy, and modern combat concepts as foundational elements of the victory.
To build their analysis, the authors interviewed approximately 100 military and civilian specialists and conducted field visits to key combat zones. The text evaluates specific operations across Hadrut, Füzuli, Dschäbrayil, Zangilan, and Gubadli, alongside the fighting for Schuscha and the anti-terror measures of 2023.
Broader Factors in Modern Warfare
Beyond tactical execution on the battlefield, the book highlights the importance of long-term state planning, economic capacity, and effective communication strategies in achieving national objectives. The authors examine the role of President Ilham Aliyev in the country’s strategic direction and international communication.
Liam Collins is a retired U.S. Army colonel with experience in special operations forces. John Spencer is an urban warfare expert who previously directed urban warfare research at the Modern War Institute at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
