Coker on War

A homage to the late, great scholar of war, exploring his considerable legacy and engaging with questions of conflict and strategy in the same spirit.

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.

Michael John Williams PhD is Associate Professor of International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.

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