ABSTRACT

Why do leaders initiate wars they are destined to lose? This study shows that imperfect understanding of land-sea wars was at the root of defeats for leaders from Louis XIV to Saddam Hussein.

chapter 1|18 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|32 pages

Structural Explanations

chapter 3|22 pages

Modifications to Existing Theories

chapter 4|26 pages

On Winning (or Losing) Wars

chapter 5|31 pages

Why “Losers” Start Wars

chapter 6|20 pages

Summary and Conclusions