Books by Kalevi J. (University of British Columbia Holsti

In this book, Professor Holsti approaches the study of the origins of war and the foundations of peace from a distinct perspective. The author identifies the variety of conflict-producing issues and the attitudes of policy makers to the use of force, which have changed over the last 350 years.

Since 1945 the incidence of interstate war has been declining rapidly, while the incidence of internal war has been increasing. This book surveys some of the foundations of state legitimacy and demonstrates why many weak states will be the locales of war in the future. The author develops some ideas about conflict resolution and peace derived from such recent experiences of war.