A world without war : the history, politics and resolution of conflict

In this powerful and thought-provoking book, thought leader Sundeep Waslekar examines the history of war and offers a solution for achieving world peace and global progress by exiting the arms race threatening human existence. The invention of dangerous weapons, missiles and killer robots alongside the rise of nationalism and intolerance of others makes human beings more vulnerable today than ever before. We may survive terrorist attacks, climate change and pandemics, but humankind cannot survive a global war that uses nuclear weapons. The threat of a nuclear war may seem distant to many, but the truth is that in many countries a single leader or a small group of leaders has the power to set off a nuclear attack. The risk of a war is very real, and has the potential to end human civilization. In A World without War, like other bestselling narratives in the past, Waslekar studies the history and politics of war, but goes one step further in offering a global social contract that can help achieve peace. Drawing from comprehensive research in politics, technology, philosophy and history, and writing in a convincing, non-academic narrative voice, Waslekar studies the origins of war and weaponry, the ever-present danger of nuclear weapons and the link between nationalism and war, ultimately arguing that war is a choice and that world peace is essential for human beings to recognize their true potential. "In this powerful and thought-provoking book, Sundeep Waslekar examines the history and politics of war and offers solutions for achieving world peace by ending the arms race. The invention of dangerous weapons, such as hypersonic missiles, killer robots and deadly pathogens, along with the rise of nationalism and intolerance, has made the human civilization more vulnerable today it has ever been before. It might endure terrorist attacks, climate change and pandemics, but humankind cannot survive a global war involving nuclear weapons. Most people live in denial of such an existential risk because they feel it is not imminent. For them, this book serves as a wake-up call. In A world without war, Waslekar moves from examining the roots of war to suggesting a global social contract for lasting peace. Drawing from his comprehensive research in politics, technology, phylosophy and history, he talks about the origins of war and weaponry, the dangers inherent in the introduction of new weapons and the chilling links between nationalism and war. He argues that war is a matter of choice and that peace is essential for human beings to realize their true potential"--Page 4 of cover