Coker on War

Description

From the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ‘end of history’ to the rise of Islamist terrorism and the onset of the ‘war on terror’, and now finally a return to great power politics—the last thirty years have been some of the most unsettled in a generation or two. Through it all, Professor Christopher Coker’s thinking on war and strategy was among the most original and insightful. His impact on the contemporary understanding of conflict cannot be overstated.

Through his twenty-seven books, Coker’s ideas—and his captivating writing—have influenced politicians, generals and generations of scholars. This volume is an extended examination of the man and his oeuvre, written by those who worked with him, learned from him, and were intellectually inspired by him. 

Leading scholars will examine the implications of emerging technology in warfare; the challenges of war in an era of terrorism; the humanitarian dimension of war; and notions of war as risk management. In a homage to Coker’s engagement with literature and philosophy, additional chapters will explore how we write about war, the role or meaning of human nature in war, and the tragic in war.

Reviews

‘It is a testament to Christopher Coker’s singular contribution to the study of war and international relations that such a stellar collection of scholars have come together to explore the continuing relevance of his work.’ — Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King’s College London

‘Christopher Coker was an unusual, idiosyncratic scholar; his work was literary, imaginative and allusive. He contemplated questions he believed were definitive of our human condition: war, violence and strategy. In this poignant valediction to a fine scholar and a wonderful man, those colleagues who knew and loved him best explore Christopher’s rich and profound body of work. It is an elegy to a scholar the likes of whom we won’t see again.’ — Anthony King, Chair of War Studies, University of Exeter

‘A realistic and candid exploration of war, strategy and the human experience of conflict, as provocative and thoughtful as Coker’s work itself.’ — Pauline Shanks Kaurin, Senior Research Associate, Case Western Reserve University

‘With a stellar line up of scholars and a foreword by Professor Michael Cox, this edited volume packs a real punch, exploring the significance and impact of Christopher Coker’s scholarship in depth, breadth and context.’ — Matthew Ford, author of War in the Smartphone Age

‘The editors have achieved something rare: a genuinely coherent book that honours Coker by thinking with him critically, seriously and at a moment when his warnings appear more relevant than ever.’ — Kristian C. Gustafso, Reader in Intelligence and War, Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies, Brunel University

‘Sometimes infuriating but always illuminating, Christopher Coker was iconoclastic, idiosyncratic and irreverent. This book is a fitting tribute to his thoughts on war and—like them—both inspirational and full of insights.’ — Hew Strachan, Emeritus Fellow at All Souls College, University of Oxford, and author of Clausewitz’s On War: A Biography

‘A valuable intervention at a time when powerful states are increasingly turning to military force as the only arrow in their statecraft quiver. Coker is a model for strategic thinkers because he was dedicated to understanding the past to avoid re-living it.’ — Jacqueline L. Hazelton, Executive Editor, International Security 

Editor(s)

Michael John Williams PhD is Associate Professor of International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. He wrote his doctorate at the London School of Economics under Christopher Coker’s supervision.

Christopher Ankersen PhD is a Clinical Professor of Global Affairs at New York University. He wrote his doctorate at the London School of Economics under Christopher Coker’s supervision.