War is one of the greatest human evils. It has ruined livelihoods, provoked unsp
eakable atrocities and left countless millions dead. It has caused economic chao
s and widespread deprivation.
And the misery it causes poisons foreign policy
for future generations. But, argues bestselling historian Ian Morris, in the ve
ry long term, war has in fact been a good thing. In his trademark style combinin
g inter-disciplinary insights, scientific methods and fascinating stories, Morri
s shows that, paradoxically, war is the only human invention that has allowed us
to construct peaceful societies.