Coker on War
Strategic Thinking for Uncertain Times
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.
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.
Table of contents
Preface
Michael John Williams and Christopher Ankersen
1. Coker on Clausewitz
Antulio J. Echevarria II, US Army War College
2. Coker on the Warrior
Antoine Bousquet, Swedish Defence University
3. Coker on Humanity: Species, Agency, Compassion and Cruelty
Christopher Ankersen, New York University
4. Coker on the Dystopian and Western Strategy
Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, University of Copenhagen
5. Coker on Strategic Thinking
Rune Henriksen, University of Oslo
6. Coker on War in the Age of Terror
Rashmi Singh, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais
7. Coker on War and Risk Society
David Ucko, NATO
8. Coker on Writing War
Jeffrey H. Michaels, RAND Europe
9. Coker on (Wo)Men, Literature and War
Kathleen McInnis, CSIS
10. Coker on the Improbable War with China
Yee-Kuang Heng, The University of Tokyo
11. Coker on the Civilisational State
Terence McNamee, The Brenthurst Foundation
12. Coker and the Decline of the West
Michael John Williams, Syracuse University
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
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.