The photographic work in 2nd Tour Hope I Don’t Die documents the experiences of soldiers during the Afghanistan War, focusing on the personal and emotional realities of military service in a conflict zone. The images employ a direct, intimate visual approach that captures both the tension and moments of reflection amid the ongoing violence.

This photobook presents a sober examination of war’s psychological burdens and the landscape of combat, avoiding overt dramatization in favor of nuanced, often candid compositions. Its 112 pages form a tightly-knit narrative, conveyed through the lens of Peter van Agtmael’s firsthand encounters during his embedded assignments.

Published in 2009 by Photolucida, the book contributes to the visual history of the Afghan War since 2001, situating personal soldier stories within the broader context of modern military conflict.