The Arc of War – Origins, Escalation and Transformation - Hardcover

Levy, Jack; Thompson, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0226476286 ISBN 13: 9780226476285

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2011

Synopsis

In this far-reaching exploration of the evolution of warfare in human history, Jack S. Levy and William R. Thompson provide insight into the perennial questions of why and how humans fight. Beginning with the origins of warfare among foraging groups, "The Arc of War" draws on a wealth of empirical data to enhance our understanding of how war began and how it has changed over time. The authors point to the complex interaction of political economy, political and military organization, military technology, and the threat environment - all of which create changing incentives for states and other actors. They conclude that those actors that adapt survive, and those that do not are eliminated. In modern times, warfare between major powers has become exceedingly costly and therefore quite rare, while lesser powers are too weak to fight sustained and decisive wars or to prevent internal rebellions. Conceptually innovative and historically sweeping, "The Arc of War" represents a significant contribution to the existing literature on warfare.

About this title

Review:

"This is quite clearly the most ambitious scientific treatise on warfare in global human history and a significant contribution to the emerging coevolutionary theory of warfare. Levy and Thompson set a new standard in the use of evidence, interdisciplinary approaches, and causal theory to explain, understand, and hopefully help mitigate the incidence and cost of warfare in contemporary society."--Claudio Cioffi-Revilla, George Mason University
"A bold and masterly overview of warfare from its tribal origins to its present-day avatars. To be sure, such a broad and brave conception, executed in such a compressed volume, will win plaudits--but it will also draw fire. This is as it should be. Levy and Thompson will advance the field not only through their own arguments, but by the work that they are certain to inspire. Bravo."--John Lynn, Northwestern University
"This is a deeply learned book in the tradition of grand theory, sweeping from the societies of archeology and anthropology to the contemporary world system. Levy and Thompson's careful application of evolutionary theory has produced a foundational book on international relations."--Bruce Russett, Yale University

"Through a comprehensive review of the literature, "The Arc of War" presents an interesting and important argument that there is a coevolutionary process at work during warfare, whereby political economy, military organization, weapons, and the threat environment are all endogenous."--David Sobek, Louisiana State University

This is a deeply learned book in the tradition of grand theory, sweeping from the societies of archeology and anthropology to the contemporary world system.Levy and Thompson s careful application of evolutionary theory has produced a foundational book on international relations. --Bruce Russett, Yale University"

This is quite clearly the most ambitious scientific treatise on warfare in global human history and a significant contribution to the emerging coevolutionary theory of warfare. Levy and Thompson set a new standard in the use of evidence, interdisciplinary approaches, and causal theory to explain, understand, and hopefully help mitigate the incidence and cost of warfare in contemporary society. Claudio Cioffi-Revilla, George Mason University--Claudio Cioffi-Revilla, George Mason University"

A bold and masterly overview of warfare from its tribal origins to its present-day avatars. To be sure, such a broad and brave conception, executed in such a compressed volume, will win plaudits but it will also draw fire.This is as it should be.Levy and Thompson will advance the field not only through their own arguments, but by the work that they are certain to inspire. Bravo. John Lynn, Northwestern University--John Lynn, Northwestern University"

Through a comprehensive review of the literature, "The Arc of War" presents an interesting and important argument that there is a coevolutionary process at work during warfare, whereby political economy, military organization, weapons, and the threat environment are all endogenous. --David Sobek, Louisiana State University"

About the Author:

Jack S. Levy is the Board of Governors' Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University and coauthor, with William R. Thompson, of Causes of War. William R. Thompson is Distinguished Professor and the Donald A. Rogers Professor of Political Science at Indiana University. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Coping with Terrorism.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0226476286
• ISBN 13: 9780226476285
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 280