Why We Fight: New Approaches to the Human Dimension of Warfare

The Canadian Armed Forces have used the work of foreign scholars and writers to understand the human dimension of warfare, but the specific Canadian context, experience, and perspective are often lost. Why We Fight is the first major Canadian study of combat motivation in almost forty years, bringing together top military practitioners and scholars to discuss the most controversial issues of modern warfare. It explores sexual violence in war, professionalism, organizations, leadership, shared intent, motivation in extremis, and the toxicity of the warrior culture. It affirms the centrality of the human being in warfare in Canada's past, present, and future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

For decades, the Canadian Armed Forces have relied on the insights of foreign scholars and writers to gain a deeper understanding of the human dimension of warfare. Their goal has been to comprehend the motivations behind individuals' decision to engage in combat and their behavior during conflict. However, the unique Canadian context, experiences, and perspectives often get overshadowed by universal appeals.

To address this imbalance, Why We Fight emerges as a groundbreaking study, marking the first major Canadian exploration of combat motivation in nearly forty years. This comprehensive work brings together renowned military practitioners and scholars to delve into some of the most contentious issues of modern warfare. By examining the experiences of Canadians on the frontlines, Why We Fight offers valuable insights into various aspects of warfare, including sexual violence, professionalism, organizational dynamics, leadership, shared intent, motivation in extremis, and the detrimental effects of the warrior culture.

The book's chapters provide essential perspectives on combat motivation theories, the modern operating environment, and the collective and individual identities of the men and women who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. It sheds light on the complexities of human behavior in conflict and emphasizes the centrality of the human being in warfare, both in Canada's past, present, and future.

While some may express concerns that technology is advancing towards a post-human age, particularly in the context of war, Why We Fight reaffirms the essential role of human beings in warfare. It serves as a reminder that the decisions made by individuals, the values they uphold, and the relationships they form are crucial in shaping the outcomes of conflicts.

In conclusion, Why We Fight is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of military studies. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and insights, it helps to deepen our understanding of the human dimension of warfare and its impact on individuals, communities, and nations. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, strategy, and the complexities of human behavior in conflict.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228003861