On the Origins of War

Praise for Donald Kagan’s On the Origins of War

“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