Contingency, catalysts and nonlinear change: the origins of Richard Ned Lebow

Wars, revolutions and depressions change the world and the way in which we think about it. World War I was a seminal event in both respects. It ushered in a profound transformation of the international system, and is described by many historians as the crucible in which the 20th century was shaped. It has also been a critical case for the generation and testing of theories about conflict and international relations more generally.