Product Description

Addressing the question of why wars happen, this book bridges the disciplines of history, political science and international relations, and spans the period from 1450 to the present. Examples are used from many parts of the world to demonstrate the universality of conflict. The author looks at the problems of defining war, and considers the major theories advanced for the causes of war to date. Do wars primarily reflect bellicosity in societies and states, or do they arise largely as a result of the breakdown of diplomatic systems? How far are the causes of war related to changes in the nature of warfare, of the international system, or of the internal character of states? Black investigates instances of wars that are deliberate or accidental, and analyzes the three main forms of war: civil wars, wars across cultures, and wars within cultures. He also considers the present situation and asks where we are heading in terms of future wars.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #627491 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent, concise yet detailed
Perfect as an introduction to the study of warfare, in my case, beginning a university module of warfare in the 19th Century. Jeremy Black examines warfare in a systematic manner, firstly split into periods and then further into cross-cultural, inter-cultural and civil wars, making it easy to read and to comprehend. The work is perhaps a little narrow, due to its emphasis on cultural factors, however as an introduction it is an excellent and useful work. Very useful for students and academics.

A very good book for anyone entertaining thoughts on the subject
An important and engaging work, this should definitely be a staple in any person's library on war. The most surprising aspect of this book was it's focus on anthropology and how this related to the declaration of wars. I was originally put off by this, as I was accustomed to seeing wars being declared due to individuals, technology, complex alliance patterns etc. Yet Black's exploration of culture as a reason for war was to me at least a breath of fresh air in a branch of history which is prone to mental stagnation. As Black himself puts it 'An emphasis...that bellicist values are important not only in creating a general context for international relations but also in sustaining the view that war is an instrument of policy, and in determining how disputes between, and within, states were treated.' Perhaps a statement expected from a sociologist rather than a historian, but vital nonetheless.