WAR

by Gwynne Dyer

This modern classic by international journalist and military historian Gwynne Dyer is widely acknowledged as one of the most compelling analyses of armed conflict throughout the ages. Dyer traces the growth of organised warfare from the earliest days of humankind, arguing – with neither despair nor false optimism – that war as an act of mass violence has remained unchanged. The only real change has been technological. He suggests that the international system, whereby each polity is responsible for its own defence, encourages war to settle disputes about status and influence. Why is this? Why do men and women fight wars? Is it even possible to tame the impulse? Is this "lethal custom" innate, or culturally determined? How might we change? War is essential reading on the way to resolving these eternal questions.

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

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2017

About the author

Gwynne Dyer, OC is a London-based independent Canadian journalist, syndicated columnist and military historian.

Dyer was born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador (then the Dominion of Newfoundland) and joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve at the age of sixteen. While still in the naval reserve, he obtained a BA in history from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1963; an MA in military history from Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 1966; and a PhD in military and Middle Eastern history at King's College London in 1973. Dyer served in the Canadian, American and British naval reserves. He was employed as a senior lecturer in war studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, 1973–77. In 1973 he began writing articles for leading London newspapers on the Arab-Israeli conflict, and soon decided to abandon academic life for a full-time career in journalism. In 2010, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Reviews

[Mark Edlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction - OK, I picked this as my 1980's non-fiction book. I have the 1985 original but borrowed this an ebook from the library. I was confused by the many current references to conflicts in the electronic version. Then I find out Dyer updated the book in the 2000's to reflect some changing conditions. I'm still counting it as my 1980'2 non-fiction.
Dyer is a journalist/historian with a keen interest in world affairs as demonstrated by conflict. He tries to explain the historic beginnings of war up to the current nuclear standoff. He writes passionately about how a "limited nuclear exchange" is a huge oxymoron. I really liked the chapter on how a soldier is created. I was surprised at the research that showed WWI and WWII soldiers only fired their weapon at the enemy less than 20% of the time. The generals were horrified by this and changed the training. Dyer suggests this is why Vietnam vets had such a high level of PTSD as they shot at the enemy at an 80% rate.
No pharmacy references.
Canadian references - several mentions of Canadian soldiers and airmen; Canada as a middle power; mention of Canadian politicians involved in negotiations.

[Ian Kittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lengthy but fascinating read about war from the earliest of times until today. In fact the authors opinion of the future.

Not always the easiest book to read, but I am glad I persevered with it.

You would think killing is the same throughout history. Not anymore.

The chapters on nuclear war was especially descriptive and worrying. The world is in the hands of 8-10 counties.

Finally the discussion on the United Nations leaves you to ponder, “ if not that, what else could prevent us from destroying ourselves and our world”. It’s set up is also of great concern moving forward in time.

[Scott Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this deep and clear thinking on war is shared and understood as broadly as possible - essential understanding I wish I’d had years ago.

“Our task over the next few generations is to transform the world of independent states in which we live into some sort of genuine international community, however quarrelsome, discontented, and full of injustice it probably will be, then we shall effectively have abolished the ancient institution of warfare”

- Gwynne Dyer

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

'War' by Gwynne Dyer, covers the subject of human warfare from prehistoric times to the modern era. His writing is excellent and thought-provoking. If you want to know more about war and how it has changed throughout time, this is a great book to read.

[Peg Tittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just posted a review of Dyer's Climate Wars, but I referred to this one as well, as a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED book, so I thought I'd post at least a rating -- I read it decades ago, so have not quotes or notes, but ... still. READ IT.

[Chuck Laz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking for sure. There is some interesting ideas that are all neatly tied together.