How to Think about War

By Johanna Hanink, Thucydides,

Book cover of How to Think about War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy

Book description

An accessible modern translation of essential speeches from Thucydides's History that takes readers to the heart of his profound insights on diplomacy, foreign policy, and war

Why do nations go to war? What are citizens willing to die for? What justifies foreign invasion? And does might always make right? For…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked How to Think about War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Not a book about Thucydides, but a selection of the speeches – one of the most striking aspects of his approach to history is the way he includes set-piece debates, not so much as accurate transcripts of what was actually said as a means of exploring issues of war, peace, democratic deliberation and so forth. If you already own a copy of Thucydides, this may not be of much interest (unless you’re obsessive enough to compare Hanink’s translations with others), but if you’re new to the topic this may be a good place to start: the speeches are more accessible…

From Neville's list on understanding Thucydides.

Want books like How to Think about War?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like How to Think about War.

Browse books like How to Think about War

Book cover of The Plague
Book cover of Eight Bookes of the Peloponnesian Warre
Book cover of Thucydides and the Shaping of History

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Peloponnesian War, Greece, and Thucydides?

Greece 184 books
Thucydides 17 books