The Great Illusion: A Study of the Relation of Military Power to National Advantage

By Norman Angell
Category
War
Recommended by
"The Great Illusion" by Norman Angell is a groundbreaking work that challenges the prevailing belief in the inevitability of war and questions the economic basis for military power.

Angell asserts that conflicts between modern nations have shifted from the pursuit of territorial gains to the protection of economic interests. He argues that war has become an uneconomic and irrational means to achieve these objectives and that nations are interconnected through trade and finance, making it futile and harmful to engage in armed conflicts.

By examining historical events and economic data, Angell highlights the interconnectedness of nations and emphasizes that aggression and conquest no longer yield economic benefits. He contends that military capabilities are increasingly becoming a financial burden, diverting resources from productive economic activities.

Angell further presents the idea that armed conflicts are detrimental to domestic prosperity, as they result in destruction and economic inefficiencies. He challenges the notion of military superiority as a reliable measure of power, asserting that economic strength and cultural influence are more significant determinants of a nation's standing in the international arena.

"The Great Illusion" provokes readers to rethink commonly-held beliefs about warfare and encourages peaceful alternatives for resolving disputes among nations. Angell's compelling arguments and evidence-based analysis make this book essential reading for those seeking a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between economics and war in the modern world.
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