Book Two: War in Context
What the readers say…
‘…’…A brilliant, balanced book which explores some very important questions surrounding war and conflict over the span of time…’
‘…I found it quite fascinating in my first read (because I will inevitably have to go back and re-read) to see how war permeates politics and ordinary life…’
‘…For anyone who is interested in the history of war, the psychology that underpins the human psyche, the long-term effects and the political reaction to war and warfare will enjoy this well written and researched book…’
‘…Informative, intelligently written and easy to follow…’
‘…It’s a bold, intelligent, and deeply timely analysis of why wars happen….’
‘…Equips readers not just with facts, but with tools to think…’
‘…Blends history, sociology, politics, and media literacy in an engaging way…’
War in Context builds upon this foundation established in About War by situating war in the modern world. It explores how the United Kingdom’s use of force has changed the political balance (or not), the role of the state, the anarchic nature of the international system, and the ways in which states justify and manage military force. Case studies range from Britain’s post-imperial interventions to America’s “war on terror.” I scrutinises terrorism, nuclear deterrence, and the impact of emerging technologies such as drones, cyber operations, and artificial intelligence. Balanced and multidisciplinary, the book emphasises that war cannot be understood in isolation: it is embedded in the political, economic, and cultural structures of society.
Chapters
| 1 | The Roots of Violence and the Development of the State |
| 2 | Britain’s Historic Use of Military Power, and its Legacy |
| 3 | The Defence of the United Kingdom |
| 4 | Global Britain in a Competitive Age |
| 5 | Contrary Views |
| 6 | Predicting War |
| 7 | Classifying War |
| 8 | Terrorism |
| 9 | The Strategic Consequences of the American Response to 9/11 |
| 10 | Deterrence, Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear War |
| 11 | Technology, Missiles and Strategic Security |
| 12 | Drones and Drone Warfare |
| 13 | Artificial Intelligence and the Military |
| 14 | Cyberspace |
| 15 | Military Expenditure, Arms and Defence |
| 16 | Pacifism |
| 17 | Concluding Commentary |
| 18 |
Supplement and Appendices |