Classic Audiobook Collection Is War Diminishing by Frederick Adams Woods ~ Full Audiobook [history]
Dec 26, 2025
Frederick Adams Woods tackles the provocative question of whether war is diminishing in a historical context. The discussion includes the shift from frequency to magnitude of conflicts and critiques both militarist and pacifist arguments. The research showcases data trends in various countries, revealing Denmark's remarkably peaceful record and England's long history of war. The podcast invites listeners to reflect on the psychology of war, its evolutionary roots, and the implications of growing armies. It's a thought-provoking exploration of historical patterns and societal impacts.
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Austria's Long Retreat From Constant War
- Woods recounts Austria's peak belligerence during the Thirty Years' War and its steady decline thereafter.
- He uses Austria's timeline to illustrate national shifts in war frequency.
England's Half-Time In War
- Woods summarizes England's eight-century record showing roughly half its years in war and half in peace.
- He highlights three intense belligerent eras tied to dynastic and external conflicts.
France's Consistent War Rhythm
- Woods shows France also spent about half its recorded centuries at war with no clear long-term decline.
- He notes France's war years include many short but frequent conflicts across eras.