The war in Iraq is part of the wider war on terror initiated by the United States in the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001. The Iraq War began in March 2003 and caused strong international tension due to the Bush administration's attempt to "export democracy". The book provides an exhaustive account, within the context of international politics, of each stage of the war, up to American troops' withdrawal in 2011 and other events in 2012. The author also examines other crucial questions: Was the Iraq war a "just war"? Did it help stabilise the Middle East, or contribute to its instability?

Andrea Beccaro holds a doctorate in strategic science and teaches International Relations at the University School in Strategic Science in Turin.