War and Its Causes

This book provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the causes of war, emphasizing the role of cultural factors, ideologies, international relations systems, and diplomacy. It assesses the predisposition of ideologies to think and act in terms of conflict, the functional dynamics of international relations systems, and the strengths and failures of diplomacy, using global examples spanning the fifteenth century to the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2019
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary book offers a profound insight into the root causes of war, delving into a thoughtful exploration of what war truly encompasses—a fundamental foundation for analyzing its underlying factors. Jeremy Black takes a comprehensive approach, examining the three primary categories of war: those between cultures, within cultures, and civil. He emphasizes the social and cultural dynamics that contribute to conflict, particularly the role of aggression, manifested in a willingness to engage in violence and be prepared to face its consequences. Black argues that cultural factors have consistently played a pivotal role, particularly in the form of aggression, which disrupts rational risk assessments and undermines deterrence mechanisms. He further assesses the inclination of ideologies to perceive and engage in conflict, the functioning of international relations systems, and the strengths and limitations of diplomacy. By drawing upon research from history, political science, and international relations, Black presents a wealth of global examples spanning from the fifteenth century to the present. He contrasts wars within cultures with those between cultures, considering their implications for ongoing and future conflicts. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics that drive war and its potential consequences for global peace and stability.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538117910