The book progresses chronologically, first laying a historical foundation from ancient times through the early modern era, then analyzing the escalation of these scorched earth tactics in the 20th century, including detailed analyses of the Eastern Front during World War II and various counterinsurgency campaigns.
Finally, this military history explores the ethical, legal, and long-term consequences, offering a balanced understanding of the motivations and results of resource destruction.
The value of this approach lies in its comprehensive analysis across different periods and regions, revealing recurring patterns of resource destruction.