What Is War For? - (What Is It For?) Abridged by Jack McDonald (Paperback)

About the Book

"How does armed conflict shape global politics? When states wage war on their neighbours while denying its existence, what chance do we have to regulate it, and how will we ever achieve a more peaceful world? This book examines how changes to social rules - such as interpretations of international law - reshape how states explain their military actions, and changes to technology and society transform the activities that constitute contemporary warfare. Analysing the role that war serves in global politics, it outlines the multiple ways that war affects the contemporary world, from international relations to our day-to-day lives. Focusing on two competing visions of war - that war can and should be eliminated, and that war is a permanent problem to be managed - it takes the second path as a necessary step towards the first, in the maybe vain hope that it is ever achievable"--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

How does armed conflict shape global politics? And, critically, can it ever be regulated, a necessary first step to achieving a more peaceful world?

This book examines the factors that define and shape war in the contemporary world, and how changes to technology and society are transforming warfare.

Focusing on efforts to regulate and eliminate war, it provides a guide to the complex problems it poses now - and threatens in the future.

Review Quotes

"War is a human universal. It is also fractal - it is always the same and always different. And it is still very much alive, as McDonald explains in this compelling and thought-provoking book." Christopher Coker, LSE IDEAS

"McDonald's frank analysis comes at a time when war is reshaping international relations, and so is more than a refresher course on war in all its different guises. What Is War For? primes its readers to think carefully about how war, and controlling war, will shape the future." Daniel Brunstetter, University of California Irvine

"Distinguishing between lasting characteristics and functions of war, and its present manifestations, this lucidly written book provides an excellent introduction to the topic, especially with its discussion of the law of armed conflict, so often neglected." Beatrice Heuser, University of Glasgow

"This is perfect as a short, sharp guide to the character of modern warfare - who fights, why and how they do so, and what if anything can be done to stop wars or at least mitigate their effects." Lawrence Freedman, King's College London

"For those who have never previously reflected on the significance of war as a driver for social and political change, this makes for an indispensable guide. For those with more in-depth knowledge, an excellent way to provoke engagement and shape discussion about this important field." Matthew Ford, Swedish Defence University

"A fascinating insight into the role of war in the contemporary world. Sweeping in scope and fresh in tone, this is the book that anyone interested in the international politics of war has been waiting for." Cian O'Driscoll, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, ANU

About the Author

Jack McDonald is Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the Department of War Studies, King's College London. He is the author of two books examining the relationship between the law and ethics of war, and emerging technology.