Offering a synthesis of philosophy, history of warfare, political theory, and contemporary strategy, this study describes how the ideas which are central to the nature of war have developed in the context of changing social, political and technological environments.

What is war, and how should it be waged? Are there restraints on its conduct? What can philosophers contribute to the study of warfare? It might appear to some that the practical activity of the battlefield is a universe removed from the sedate reflections of the philosopher, but in this book Ian Clark argues that there is an important relationship between the concept of war and notions about its proper conduct, and that the practice of war requires a sound philosophical understanding of its nature. This book offers a synthesis of philosophy, history of warfare, political theory, and contemporary strategy, in which Dr Clark describes how the ideas which are central to the nature of war have developed in the context of changing social, political, and technological environments, and proposes a meeting ground for the integration of the philosophy and practice of war.