War in the Modern World

The Prussian military philosopher Carl von Clausewitz claimed that war is the continuation of politics with other means. Having said that and based upon some of the western wars, the course gives an introduction to the history of war from about 1905 until today. Nor a specific war or the society where the war has its origins, can within such a perspective be studied isolated. The course put war and military power within the context of the society.

The course also gives an introduction to the theories which laid the foundations for the parties thinking on war and to what influenced this thinking. At the end of the course we will discuss two central questions: Have the premises for the state monopoly on violence changed? And – what causes the outcome of war (or why doesn’t the military strongest party always win)?

The students are to be familiar with the main characteristics of the history of war and military theory from 1905 until today. The main perspective in the course is to see the development of society and military power as integrated (War and Society School).

At least one of the lectures will be given at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy.