Lawfare Daily: Arne Westad on ‘The Coming Storm’

In 'The Coming Storm', Gabriel Gatehouse delves into the roots of conspiracy theories in the U.S. , tracing their evolution from the Clinton era to the storming of the U.S. Capitol. The book examines a radical new political movement involving tech bros, internet trolls, and white supremacists, and its implications for democracy. Gatehouse's work provides a compelling mix of reportage and personal experience, offering insights into the future of American politics.

In this landmark account, Barbara W. Tuchman re-creates the first month of World War I, tracing the events from the funeral of Edward VII to the battles on the Western and Eastern fronts. The book focuses on the political machinations and military strategies that led to the outbreak of war, highlighting the roles of key players and the inevitability of the conflict. Tuchman's narrative is known for its comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the period, making it a classic in historical literature.

In 'Destined for War,' Graham Allison explores the concept of the 'Thucydides Trap,' where the rise of a new power threatens the dominance of an existing one, often leading to war. Allison draws on 16 historical cases where a rising power challenged a dominant state, with 12 of these cases resulting in war. He applies this historical lens to the current relationship between the United States and China, highlighting the potential for conflict but also outlining '12 clues to peace' derived from historical analysis to prevent such an outcome. The book is divided into sections that cover the rise of China, historical lessons from the Peloponnesian War and other conflicts, and strategies for avoiding war based on these historical insights.

In this book, Paul Kennedy examines the historical patterns of the rise and fall of great powers, including Greece, Rome, Spain, France, Germany, and England. He argues that the strength of a great power is relative to other powers and correlates strongly with available resources and economic durability. Kennedy introduces the concept of 'imperial overstretch,' where military commitments become unsustainable once a power loses its economic competitive edge. The book also predicts the decline of the United States and the Soviet Union and the rise of Japan and China, based on their economic and military strategies.

The Sleepwalkers is a comprehensive and meticulously researched book that explores the intricate events and relationships that led to the outbreak of World War I. Clark's narrative delves into the decades of history preceding 1914, examining the mutual misunderstandings, unintended signals, and complex alliances that drove Europe into war. The book highlights the fraught situation in the Balkans, the role of key players such as Serbia, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, and France, and the broader geopolitical context that contributed to the war. Clark's analysis is insightful, drawing together politics, alliances, personalities, geography, fear, and false hopes to provide a detailed and authoritative chronicle of Europe’s descent into war.