The Remnants of War

by John E. Mueller

Book Overview

"War... is merely an idea, an institution, like dueling or slavery, that has been grafted onto human existence. It is not a trick of fate, a thunderbolt from hell, a natural calamity, or a desperate plot contrivance dreamed up by some sadistic puppeteer on high. And it seems to me that the institution is in pronounced decline, abandoned as attitudes toward it have changed, roughly following the pattern by which the ancient and formidable institution...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801442397
• ISBN13: 9780801442391
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A political book that gives you hope

Mueller's Retreat from Doomsday was one of the best books I read in college and this follow-up is just as good. Mueller takes the long view of war and shows that the devastating wars among nation states of the 19th and 20th centuries are disappearing. What is left are wars against bandits, insurrections and terrorists, the modern equivalents of barbarians. Militarily they are no match for organized military forces. I think he underestimates international organizations like Al Qaida who show the ability to organize simultaneous strikes and a willingness to sacrifice their lives. But I think his larger point that wars among nations have become rare is a good one worth study, discussion and, if true, celebration.

A Very Interesting Thesis

An interesting book that claims that war is an outdated concept and is obsolete. Although many (including myself) would take issue with this thesis, this is a through provoking work worth a look. My personal favorite item is the table comparing the death totals of the various Rambo movies. Hats off to you Dr. Mueller, you have provoked thought and discussion in a creative manner.