ENGLISH

Why Leaders Choose War: The Psychology of Prevention (Praeger Security International)

By Jonathan Renshon

Book information

Publisher
Praeger
Year
2006
ISBN
9780275990855, 0275990850
Open Library ID
OL10289740M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
792 kB (810852 bytes)
Series
Praeger Security International
Pages
239\239
Time added
2010-08-30 15:18:36
Международные отношения;Международные отношения;Те

Description

A very interesting book. It is very well written (jargon-free anlysis). Renshon presents a theory for preventive war based on six different variables: 1) declining power motivation; 2) inherent bad faith relationship with adversary; 3) belief of inevitability of war; 4) belief in window of opportunity; 5) situation favouring the offensive; 6) black-and-white thinking.

Looking to identify and assess the decision-makers motivations for preventive action, the author uses a comparative case study method to test his theory. The cases selected are the Suez Crisis, Israeli strike against Iraqi nuclear facility, US Cold War strategy, India-Pakistan conflict, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Renshon concludes by highlighting the importance of individual leaders perceptions in choosing preventive action. The author also reflects on the association between preventive action and the failure of deterrence, calling attention to the future policy options between these two strategies.

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