War Wisdom: A Cross-Cultural Sampling

War Wisdom: A Cross Cultural Sampling is a unique combination of directory and analysis. It provides a relevant “universe” of quotations, together with their authors, about war from various ages and across a large number of societies including those found in China, Japan, Persia, Mongolia, Europe, and America (both North and South), as well as Native American nations and Africa. A lengthy introductory essay presents and analyzes a dozen relevant themes found throughout those cultures, themes which show a pattern of very widespread, if not universal, appeal. Of particular relevance is the author’s engagement with the conflicting wisdom pertaining to war found within the same society as well as common themes appearing across cultures, societies, and time frames.

Christian Potholm is a DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Professor of Government at Bowdoin College. He has taught courses on war and international relations for over 40 years. His previous works on warfare include: Winning at War: 7 Keys to Military Victory Throughout History, Strategy and Conflict and Liberation and Exploitation.