A definitive and comprehensive examination on the origins, causes, practices and effects of warfare. An excellent review source for the IB history examination or for those interested in historical research. Dr. Juan R. Céspedes analyzes the roots of human conflict since the dawn of time. Packed with IB-related thought provoking questions and material. Author of "Collapse of the Soviet Empire", Dr. Céspedes again delivers a scholarly work which engages the reader by breaking a complex topic into smaller parts in order to gain a better understanding of it. A sampling of the subject matter covered is "The Origins of War"; the "Anthropological Roots of War"; "The Nation-State and War"; the "School of Realism in International Relations"; "Zero-sum" gamesmanship; "National Interest and the Rule of Law"; "Waging War"; "Military Strategy & Planning"; war from the perspective of Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Napoleon, Machiavelli, and other great thinkers; "The Causes of War"; "The Nature of War"; the role of women; "The Practice of War"; "Different types of 20th century warfare"; "The Effects and Results of War"; "Post-war economic problems"; "Pre- and Post-World War II Attempts at Collective Security"; "Possible IB Exam-Related Questions" and much more. Each chapter ends with a synopsis of the material covered for easy review.
Dr. Juan R. Céspedes is a veteran educator, lecturer, and author. Born in Havana, Cuba, he fled with his family from the Castro-communist dictatorship in 1960. For nearly three decades Dr. Céspedes has shared his thoughts and research about history, politics, economics, and international relations with his audience. An advocate of individual freedom, human dignity and democratic government, he has traveled widely, studied, and reported extensively on major topics from the nature of totalitarian regimes, to the Cold War, to the causes of wars, and to the history of terrorism. Dr. Céspedes began his career studying economics and labor relations at Florida International University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Gifted Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership from Barry University. He is currently a History Instructor for the International Baccalaureate program at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization, and Adjunct Professor at Barry University. He believes that a 21st century history education needs a comprehensive view where the learner becomes an analyst conscientious of social, economic, cultural, political and other human conditions. For Dr. Céspedes, historical analysis does not imply revisionism with preconceived ideas of what "should have been," nor assumptions made from a modern-day perspective. His extensive and detailed work not only endows us with a historical documentation of human triumph and accomplishment, but also makes us aware of our failures, cruelty, and sometimes our inhumanity toward each other. Dr. Céspedes believes that "A true understanding of history is the basis for appreciating the human condition and grappling with the moral issues facing a democratic society today."
