Subject
Disarmament Books
Best books
Norman Angell
The Great Illusion A Study of the Relation of Military Power to National Advantage
"The Great Illusion" by Norman Angell is a book first published in 1909. Angell argues that modern war between industrial nations is economically futile because conquest brings no real gain. He contends that international economic interdependence makes armed conflict irrational and self-defeating. The book became a bestseller, spawning study groups and influencing military leaders. Yet World War I erupted just years later, leading many to dismiss Angell's ideas—though scholars later recognized the work as foundational to understanding international relations.
David Hunter Miller
The Geneva Protocol
"The Geneva Protocol" by David Hunter Miller is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text examines the Protocol for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes—an attempt to regulate international relations and promote disarmament through legal frameworks within the context of the League of Nations. The book likely appeals to those interested in international law, diplomacy, and the historical role of the League in peacekeeping efforts. At the start of the book, the author presents a foreword discussing the origins and history of the Protocol of Geneva, emphasizing its importance in the broader context of international relations during the post-World War I era. The opening chapters outline the legal foundations of the Protocol, detailing its provisions regarding disarmament, the responsibilities of signatory states, and the mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution. Miller addresses the relationship between the Protocol and the Covenant of the League of Nations, highlighting key issues such as the limitations on war and the obligations each state incurs under this agreement. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for an in-depth legal discussion on the implications of the Protocol on future international relations.
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