Harlan Ullman

author

Harlan Ullman

b. 1941

Best known as a military strategist and co-author of the idea behind "shock and awe," he has spent decades moving between naval service, policy circles, and business advising. His work brings together big-picture thinking about war, security, and how governments make decisions under pressure.

1 Audiobook

Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance

Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance

by Harlan Ullman, James P. Wade

About the author

A former U.S. Navy officer, Harlan K. Ullman is a strategist, writer, and adviser whose career has crossed military service, national security policy, and business leadership. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, served in Vietnam, and later became widely known as a principal author of the doctrine often described as "shock and awe."

Beyond his military background, he has held senior roles in the policy world, including work with the Atlantic Council, and has led or advised private-sector ventures focused on strategy and infrastructure protection. That mix of experience gives his writing a practical, high-level view of power, risk, and decision-making.

For listeners interested in defense, geopolitics, and the way modern conflict is understood, his work stands out for turning complex strategic ideas into arguments meant for a broad public audience.