Rating: 
Summary: Perceptions, Morality, and War
Review: This very readable book depicts the leadership dimension of modern warfare. It argues, contrary to the dominant view in International Relations, that individual leaders rather than impersonal objective factors are the main cause that determines whether nations will go to war and whether they will continue to fight it to an irrationally prolonged and destructive extent.The case studies are interesting. And I discovered a number of new and important facts, despite my Ph.D. in Poltical Science. The case of the former Yugoslavia is particularly well-presented and easy for any non-specialist to understand. As a narrative about events and personalities, the book is indeed outstanding.
At the same time I have to voice certain reservations. Although the book is well-reserched and portrays historical events accurately and vividly, it cannot "prove" its thesis, because... well, it is unprovable. History is not a lab experiment to be conducted at will. We cannot test would would happen without this or that particular leader, all other conditions being the same. It seems to me (just as it seemed to Voltaire) that it is preposterous that everything in the universe should obey physical laws, while a five-foot-tall creature living on the surface of one tiny planet manipulates history through his perceptions and misperceptions. In fact, Stoessinger's book has a goal that is independent of facts and arguments pertaining to the subject matter--to reassert a moral world-order in international politics and, by extension, in politics in general. My seventh edition has seven case studies; Saddam Hussein is called "the war lover"; both Saddam Hussein and Hitler are "absolutely evil," while Stalin is NOT (ostensibly because Stalin "had a few decent traits, and he did not love war for its own sake," but in reality, because Stalin fought against and defeated Hitler, whose concentration camps Stoessinger had barely escaped). The book ends by emphasizing the importance of "moral courage," especially in "dark times" when "absolute evil" must be confronted. But it seems to me this outlook is precisely what has led the warring parties to misunderstand and dehumanize each other throughout history and to launch wars, whose objective was total annihilation of the enemy. If the other side represents the "absolute evil" to be confronted, there can be no talk of empathy and eagerness for accomodation. Only one thing follows: struggle by any means, victory at any cost. I am not sure that Stoessinger has come to terms with the implications of his own conclusion--in so far as people think about politics in unconditional moral terms, they will always define themselves as "good" and the opposing party as "evil." This is the way it has always been. I don't know if mankind will ever be able to rid itself of war, but as long as the solution is sought in the concepts "good," "evil," and "moral courage" ther will be no progress in internatinal politics, nor in the field of study called International Relations.
Rating: 
Summary: Why Nations go to War
Review: While after reading this book you will still now know the answer to the title of this book you will be enlightened by a wealth of information and insight of a truly brilliant individual. Dr. Stoessinger is a Professor at the University of San Diego and has written numerous works and editions invovling politics and history. THis book is well thought out and a great read. Highly encouraged to buy read and re-read. Amazing!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Why Nations Go To War
Review: While well researched, the author clearly came to this book seeking to justify a prior conclusion rather than looking to answer the question itself. Stoessinger dismisses economics as a motivating factor in human conflict entirely. Instead, he insists that the cause of war is misunderstanding. This simplistic view also insults the memory of anyone who has fought for any belief, whether that belief is justified by history or not. I pray that students of history and political science such as myself will read further for a better understanding of this complex human activity.
Rating:
Summary: Well, well, well...
Review: Why Nations Go To War is a fantastic book, and gives the reader remarkable insight into the precipitations of war. While analyzing both the interactions between national leaders and their thoughts in depth, this book is an excellent way to further your understanding of the causes of war. After reading this book, you will easily be able to understand many present-day conflicts, and where and why they began. Why Nations Go To War talks about the Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, the wars between India and Pakistan, and offers valuable background info on a question that has been in the news for some time: Why do the Muslims hate the Jews, and vice-versa? The book is thoroughly intriguing and wonderfully informative, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is big on war, and those of you who would simply like to know what's going on. Enjoy.
| 
