The Causes of Wars

by Michael Eliot Howard

Public consciousness of the threat of nuclear war is rising steadily. Responses to the nuclear dilemma are conflicting and often confusing. Never have we been more in need of information and perspective, for if we wish to avoid war we must understand it.

Michael Howard offers an analysis of our present predicament by discussing those issues that cause war and make peace. His book includes an examination of nuclear strategy today, views of the past about the conduct of international relations, ethics, modes of defense, and studies of military thinkers and leaders. The Causes of Wars illuminates the interrelationship between men and ideas, between war and other social forces, and between our present situation and its roots in the past.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, War, Military History, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Sir Michael Eliot Howard was an English military historian, formerly Chichele Professor of the History of War, Honorary Fellow of All Souls College, Regius Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford, Robert A. Lovett Professor of Military and Naval History at Yale University, and founder of the Department of War Studies, King's College London.

In 1958, he co-founded the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

In 2013, Howard was described in the Financial Times as "Britain's greatest living historian". The Guardian described him as "Britain's foremost expert on conflict".

Reviews

[Marc Lamot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting bundle of reflections on war throughout history.

[Van Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on Military History.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of essays on the nature of war, obviously focussing mostly on the Clausewitzian theory of war, how this applies to nuclear conflict, strategy in general and a interesting analysis of the 'grammar of war'.

He also analyses the British way of warfare with a particular empathsis on war at sea as well as looking at three major figures of the 20th Century, academic - Liddell Hart, military - Montgomery and political - Kissinger.

Complicated and dense at times but still an enlightening read.

[naseer yahya · Rating 3 out of 5]

ill fill this in next week iA