What we're reading: January 2026
In January, the Defence Research Network read about how modern conflict shapes civilian lives and how small and middle powers are recalibrating defence planning and military innovation in a changing global order.
Human Costs of War by Bulent Gokay and Lily Hamourtziadou explores the direct and indirect impact of conflict on civilian lives, examining personal, economic, political and community security in Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine through a human security lens. Meanwhile, Defence Planning and Military Innovation in Small and Middle Powers, edited by Tim Sweijs, Saskia van Genugten and Frans Osinga, analyses how states adapt their force postures and innovation strategies in an era of disruption, developing a new typology of defence planners. Together, these books highlight how shifting global power and strategic choices shape both the experience and conduct of contemporary war.
Human Costs of War: 21st Century Human (In)Security from 2003 Iraq to 2022 Ukraine
By Bulent Gokay, Lily Hamourtziadou
This new book explores the human costs of contemporary war by examining how conflict affects civilians’ personal, economic, political and community security in Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine. Adopting a human security perspective, it assesses civilian casualties, proportionality of force and long-term impacts such as displacement and poverty. Set against shifting global power dynamics, the book argues for understanding war primarily through its consequences for civilian lives and welfare.
Defence Planning for Small and Middle Powers: Rethinking Force Development in an Age of Disruption
By Tim Sweijs, Saskia van Genugten, Frans Osinga
This new edited book examines how small and middle powers adapt their defence planning and military innovation in an era of strategic disruption. Drawing on 11 international case studies, it uses a structured comparative framework to analyse alliances, planning processes and innovation outcomes. The book develops a new typology of defence planners and offers practical insights into how states shape ambitions, priorities, partnerships and decision-making structures.
