What Causes War?

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

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 em...

Chapter 1: Empirical Theory and the Causes of WarChapter 2: The Individual Level of Analysis, Part I: Human AggressionChapter 3: The Individual Level of Analysis, Part II: Psychological Explanations for WarChapter 4: The Substate Level of Analysis: Group Decision MakingChapter 5: The State Level of Analysis, Part I: Political, Economic, and Demographic FactorsChapter 6: The State Level of Analysis, Part II: Internal Conflicts, Nationalism, and War WearinessChapter 7: The Dyadic Level of Analysis, Part I: The Nature of Dyads-Really Bad Dyads and Pretty Good DyadsChapter 8: The Dyadic Level of Analysis, Part II: International InteractionsChapter 9: The Dyadic Level of Analysis, Part III: Game Theory, Bargaining, and Deterrence TheoryChapter 10: The International System Level of Analysis, Part I: Realism, Anarchy, and the Balance of PowerChapter 11: The International System Level of Analysis, Part II: Power Dynamics, Cyclical Theories, and Historical-Structural Theories of WarChapter 12: Constructivism: A DigressionChapter 13: ConclusionBibliography