War In Context
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley July 8, 2025
Author Christopher K Pike
Distributor: Brown Dog Books
ISBN: 978-1839525551
Publisher: Brown Dog Books
Release Date: 2022
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Making Sense of War
War in Context is book two in the tribology Making Sense of War in which Christopher K Pike reviews the conflicts since the cessation of hostilities ending World War 2 in 1945/6 and the politics behind what passes for peace.
In the first book, About War, he set out the reasons for war, and the very distinct differences between War and Warfare which he now takes further, investigating the reasons why war is still waged and what influence this is having on the future of world stability.
Using the United Kingdon and their policies as a benchmark, Pike looks at the recent past with the Russian influence and genuine fear of being overtaken, the American persistence with fighting war, and if there is not a conflict somewhere to become involved with, finding one, the lessons that fail to be learned and the endless attempts of Politicians to create yet more strategies which become unwieldy and unmanageable.
Terrorism comes into the mix of war, siting the ongoing effects of the 9/11 bombing as a case in point to illustrate the very fine line that places an act such as this in the criminal rather than Warfare category and why this is so. This is a fascinating chapter as this event is lodged firmly in memory. He then traces back through history some of the many terrorist activities that have taken place over decades, which influenced but did not change to any large degree history.
Nuclear War has also been a major player in the past 70 years as Rusia and America have gone side by side in the arms race to have the biggest, the most and the best nuclear armaments. This has led to most first world and even some third world countries now equipped with nuclear armaments, all of whom are governed by a treaty to behave with these weapons in a responsible manner. In other words, do not use them; North Korea is the exception.
Cyberspace is having an effect on the planning and execution of War. This is an area that is relatively new, particularly in the field of AI aided research and is largely considered as a tool to be used. Is it worrisome, yes, but the future will dictate how this plays out.
Pike possesses the question about Pacifism and is it possible to have this occur, when over the years it has proven to be more philosophical than factual, sadly, no matter what form it takes.
The final and concluding chapter states ‘There is no glory in war’ which is reiterated by the men and women who have been involved in these bloody conflicts. Unfortunately, the men who sit in their offices creating the ‘rules’ and structures of the next engagement of their country in War do not accept this and have done so down through history.
Can the world ever achieve lasting peace, maybe, but while war is ‘the consequence of human agency’ begun by the perversity of man it will only be the genius of man that will end war.
For anyone who is interested in the history of war, the psychology that underpins the human psyche, the long-term effects and the political reaction to war and warfare will enjoy this well written and researched book.