On the Origins of War

War has been a fact of life for centuries on end. By lucidly revealing the common threads that connect the ancient confrontations between Athens and Sparta and between Rome and Carthage with the two calimitous world wars of the twentieth century and the Cuban Missile Crisis, renowned historian Donald Kagan reveals new and surprising insights into the nature of war—and peace—that are vitally important. His vivid accounts should help alert us to the dangers of complacency and serve as a warning to our preparedness in times of peace.

“A particularly timely masterpiece. . . brilliantly examines the origins of four major, devastating conflicts.” —Los Angeles

“Humane and penetrating. . . Kagan shows how, tragically, measures undertaken precisely to prevent war have in the past repeatedly brought it closer.” —The New Criterion

“By now it is all too clear that the so-called end of history really has meant the return of history, with a vengeance. Recent events regrettably confirm that warfare is inherent to any system of world affair yet imagined, so we better do all we can to prevent it. Professor Kagan's impressive volume presents thoughts that are timely, intellectually deep, and just about indispensable.” —George P. Schultz, Former U.S. Secretary of State