Century of War

Journal of Political and Military Sociology, Summer 2003 by Kourvetaris, George A

Century of War. Gabriel Kolko New York: The New Press (1994).

This is an important book on an important topic. Professor Kolko focuses on World War I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and shows how the world leaders and generals misunderstood and miscalculated the conflicts in which they engaged. It shows time and time again the degree to which political and military elites underestimated the consequences and implications of the new military technology and how destructive this technology had been on civilian life and the effects of war on civilian population. It provides the century's tragic experiences and conflicts.

The book is not simply a chronological account of events but an in depth sociological and political analysis of these catastrophic wars. The author focuses on the implications and effects of the 20th century wars on the lives of people, societies, and nations. It is as much a book on the major players as well as the wars impact on the people's lives. It is also a book of the sociology of warfare and revolution, conflict and society since 1914 to the closing decade of the 20th century.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I deals with making and managing wars and how the elites view wars. Part II examines the ways by which wars transform people, societies and politics. The impact of WW I and WW II on European societies, the emergence of the Left, European Communism, war, society, and revolution in China and Southeast Asia are analyzed, compared, and assessed. Finally, Part III deals with the role of the United States, warfare, and the limits of power between 1946-1991 and the way the United States confronts the world. The book includes excellent notes for each chapter and references including an index. Sixty-three pages out of 546 or approximately one ninth are notes and references.

The book is highly readable and analytical and gives us many sociological and political science insights into the sociology of warfare as a social institution. It is highly recommended in courses in the Sociology of war, revolution, and world conflicts.

Reviewed by George A. Kourvetaris

Department of Sociology

Northern Illinois University