Joseph Nye discusses the evolution of international conflicts from past to present, drawing lessons from history and thereby teaching the reader how to analytically and critically evaluate the challenges and conflicts of tomorrow.

This book wisely chooses not to discuss specific conflicts in great depth, leaving the details to more specialised texts. Nye has instead chosen to focus on concepts and principles, which ultimately are the key to achieving the stated aim of the book -- understanding international conflicts.

This book should be read by anybody with an interest in international relations, from the amateur armchair general to the professional student of world affairs.