Book Description
Evan Luard addresses a number of fundamental questions relating to the role and characteristics of war, discerning patterns that have operated with remarkable consistency throughout modern history. What have been the issues that have led to wars between states? How have these varied in different periods of history and among different types of states? What were the underlying motives that propelled states into war? How have different states at different times arrived at their decisions to make war? How have they assessed the profitability of wars, the likely success and consequences of armed action? What are the procedures that have been used in modern times for resolving conflicts and ending wars? How have the beliefs about war changed from one era to the next? In the process of exploring these questions, Luard offers a wealth of fascinating examples from different historical periods. He concludes by examining the international political culture of today's world--including the nuclear option--in order to reflect on the prospectsfor evolving toward a more war-free internaional society.