What Causes War?: An Introduction to Theories of International Conflict - Softcover

Cashman, Greg

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9780742566514: What Causes War?: An Introduction to Theories of International Conflict
Softcover
ISBN 10: 074256651X ISBN 13: 9780742566514
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013

Synopsis

Now in a thoroughly revised and updated edition, this classic text presents a comprehensive survey of the many alternative theories that attempt to explain the causes of interstate war. For each theory, Greg Cashman examines the arguments and counterarguments, considers the empirical evidence and counterevidence generated by social-science research, looks at historical applications of the theory, and discusses the theory’s implications for restraining international violence.

Among the questions he explores are: Are humans aggressive by nature? Do individual differences among leaders matter? How might poor decision making procedures lead to war? Why do leaders engage in seemingly risky and irrational policies that end in war? Why do states with internal conflicts seem to become entangled in wars with their neighbors? What roles do nationalism and ethnicity play in international conflict? What kinds of countries are most likely to become involved in war? Why have certain pairs of countries been particularly war-prone over the centuries? Can strong states deter war? Can we find any patterns in the way that war breaks out? How do balances of power or changes in balances of power make war more likely? Do social scientists currently have an answer to the question of what causes war?

Cashman examines theories of war at the individual, substate, nation-state, dyadic, and international systems level of analysis. Written in a clear and accessible style, this interdisciplinary text will be essential reading for all students of international relations.

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About the Author

Greg Cashman is professor emeritus and adjunct professor in political science at Salisbury University, Maryland.

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Publisher
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication date
2013
Language
English
ISBN 10 
074256651X
ISBN 13 
9780742566514
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
2
Number of pages
620
Rating
  • 3.61 out of 5 stars
    72 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780742566507: What Causes War?: An Introduction to Theories of International Conflict

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0742566501 ISBN 13:  9780742566507
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013
Hardcover