It is composed of discussions and examples of offensive and defensive strategies from a wide variety of people and conditions, applying them to social conflicts such as family quarrels and business negotiations.

[1][2] The Independent said Greene has set himself up as "a modern-day Machiavelli" but that "it is never clear whether he really believes what he writes or whether it is just his shtick, an instrument of his will to shift £20 hardbacks" and concludes "There is something less than adult about it all.

[4] Leadership theorist and author John Adair said Greene "shows a poor grasp of the subject" and the book is based on the flawed "assumption that the art of military strategy and the art of living are comparable".

[5] Booklist said the book was repetitive, lacked a sense of humor, and had an annoying "quasi-spiritual tone".

[6] NBA player Chris Bosh stated that his favorite book is The 33 Strategies of War.