War has been a constant of human history. From the fortified settlements of the Neolithic to the trenches of the Somme, from the Cold War nuclear standoff to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, organised violence has shaped the destinies of peoples, nations, and empires. Yet despite its persistence, war remains one of the least understood of human activities. Too often it is confused with warfare, reduced to the mechanics of battles and technology, rather than recognised as a political act with profound consequences.
The Making Sense of War trilogy by Christopher K. Pike confronts this gap directly. It offers a sustained, multidisciplinary study of war’s causes, conduct, and consequences, drawing on history, politics, strategy, sociology, psychology, and international relations. Across three volumes — About War, War in Context, and War after Ukraine — the trilogy provides readers with an accessible yet rigorous framework for understanding why wars begin, how they are fought, and why they so rarely end as their initiators intend.
War in Context builds upon this foundation by situating war in the modern world. It explores the role of the state, the anarchic nature of the international system, and the ways in which states justify and manage military force. Case studies range from Britain’s post-imperial interventions to America’s “war on terror.” Pike scrutinises terrorism, nuclear deterrence, and the impact of emerging technologies such as drones, cyber operations, and artificial intelligence. Balanced and multidisciplinary, the book emphasises that war cannot be understood in isolation: it is embedded in the political, economic, and cultural structures of society.
Some reader’s comments:
“A brilliant, balanced book which explores some very important questions surrounding war and conflict over the span of time.”
“For anyone who is interested in the history of war, the psychology that underpins the human psyche, the long-term effects and the political reaction to war and warfare will
enjoy this well written and researched book.”
“It’s a bold, intelligent, and deeply timely analysis of why wars happen.”
Author Profile
Christopher K Pike is an authority on war and warfare, and has been studying military history for 50 years. He believes that victory in battle is not the key to a lasting peace. What matters is understanding war’s constraints, defining aims and knowing when goals have been achieved. Organised violence, so often futile, is a last resort. Napoleon and Hitler are two examples of men failing to grasp war’s risks, war’s fallibilities, and their own limitations.
Pike’s is an alumnus of the Department of War Studies, King’s College, London, where his focus was on war and politics.
He also holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. He was elected to the Council of the Society for Army Historical Research, where he organised and delivered lectures, including a major seminar at Apsley House, London, on Waterloo and the Iron Duke.
He lives in London and Norfolk and is a frequent visitor to the battlefields of Europe, seeing the ‘Other Side of the Hill’ for himself. He has written many penetrating strategic backgrounds for battlefield tour guides.
For an overview of the trilogy and details of each volume, refer to Christopher K Pike’s website: https://makingsenseofwar.com