

Critics of the model argue that war cannot be reduced to numbers. Indeed, the psychological, cultural, and political dimensions of military leadership transcend statistics. Charisma, inspiration, and the ability to shape entire societies are qualities that a WAR score cannot capture. Yet the value of Arsht’s work lies in its attempt to strip away myth and focus on measurable outcomes. By doing so, it forces us to reconsider assumptions, challenge national legends, and appreciate commanders across different cultures on more equal terms. The result is not the final word on military greatness, but a rigorous benchmark against which narratives can be tested.