What independent variables determine success in war? Drawing on forty years of studying and teaching war, political scientist Christian P. Potholm presents a "template of Mars" - seven variables that have served as predictors of military success over time and across cultures. In Winning at War, Potholm explains thee variables-technology, sustained ruthlessness, discipline, receptivity to innovation, protection of military capital from civilians and rulers, will, and the belief that there will always be another war-and provides case studies of their implementation, from ancient battles to todays`.