Warlords: The Untold Stories of the Second World War

While nations battled with bombs and guns, their leaders dueled with subtler weapons—charm, flattery, and deception. The outcome reshaped the world.
This critically acclaimed four-part documentary examines the 20th century’s bloodiest conflict from a completely unique perspective: the mind games played by its principals. Taking you inside the heads of historical figures, Warlords analyzes four psychological duels—Hitler v. Stalin, Churchill v. Roosevelt, Churchill v. Stalin, and Roosevelt v. Stalin—each marked by mutual suspicion, false promises, and hidden agendas.

What delusions drove Stalin to sign a pact with Hitler, his ideological enemy? How did Roosevelt boost Churchill’s resolve early in the war, without committing U.S. troops? Why did Churchill argue so vehemently for a southern invasion of Europe, and why did his two allies refuse? And why did Roosevelt trust Stalin more than he did Churchill? Using the leaders’ own words—as well as the personal recollections and private diaries of their most intimate advisors—Warlords provides surprising answers to these provocative questions. The four warlords emerge as fascinating, flawed, and fully human.