WAR IN CONTEXT: Making Sense of War

Making Sense of War by Christopher Pike explores war as a social phenomenon, explaining why it happens, how it is legitimized, and the implications of terrorism and America's less assertive leadership. It also looks at deterrence, nuclear strategy, and the human factor, emphasizing the moral and physical pressure on commanders of robots and hypersonic missiles. The book ends with an assessment of Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2022
Publisher: Brown Dog Books

About War (2021) by Christopher Pike delves into the intricate social phenomenon of war, shedding light on its underlying causes and implications. In his first book in the Making Sense of War trilogy, Pike examines war as a complex social construct, exploring its historical, political, and strategic dimensions.

War in Context provides a comprehensive examination of war, offering insights into its historical roots, its contemporary manifestations, and its profound impact on global stability. Through a series of compelling examples drawn from history, Pike demonstrates how the state legitimizes war, how war legitimizes the state, and how Britain has employed military force in the past.

Pike raises thought-provoking questions about the necessity, predictability, and nature of war. He explores the relationship between terrorism and war, questioning whether terrorism can be considered a form of war and examining its effectiveness and potential countermeasures. He also delves into the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, examining the strategic implications of al Qaeda's actions and considering the impact on world stability of America's less assertive leadership.

War in Context delves into various aspects of war, including deterrence, nuclear strategy, and the emerging technologies of cyborgs, artificial intelligence, and drones. Pike emphasizes the human factor in war, exploring the moral and physical pressures on commanders of robotic and hypersonic missiles. He highlights the critical role of humans in determining the outcome of battles, recognizing that science enhances the intensity of conflict, but ultimately, it is human decision-making that shapes the course of war.

The book concludes with an assessment of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, providing a timely and insightful analysis of the geopolitical implications of this significant event. Pike offers a balanced perspective, examining both the military and political dimensions of the conflict and its potential long-term consequences.

In conclusion, About War (2021) by Christopher Pike is a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of war, offering valuable insights into its causes, consequences, and the complex interplay between politics, strategy, and human decision-making. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war and its impact on our world.

Weight: 481g
Dimension: 210 x 148 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839525551