Coker on War

Strategic Thinking for Uncertain Times

Edited by
September 2025 9781805264347 312pp
Forthcoming Pre-order
Available as an eBook
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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.

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