The Shortest History of War

From Hunter-Gatherers to Nuclear Superpowers—A Retelling for Our Times

By: Gwynne Dyer

Narrated by: Gareth Richards

War has always been a defining feature of human society. This new addition to the Shortest History series explains why we do it—and how we can stop.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has punctured the longest stretch of peace between major powers since WWII, bringing the horrors of warfare—past, present, and future—to the forefront of listeners' minds. In The Shortest History of War, internationally acclaimed historian Gwynne Dyer adds urgently needed context.

Dyer ably charts the evolution of violent conflict: tribal aggression, classical combat, limited war, total war, and cold war-followed by present-day terrorism, nuclear threats, and the development of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). His brilliant, brisk history is a harrowing must-listen for all who wonder: How will rival superpowers with unprecedented weapons shape the future of our interconnected world?

©2022 Gwynne Dyer (P)2022 Tantor

War has always been with us

Dyer traces the history of war from earliest times through the present, with thoughts about the future of war in the context of post WWII efforts to avoid total devastation and the coming pressures related to climate change.