Many of the conflicts of today have their roots deeply embedded in the past and are merely continuations of old grievances. Former Yugoslavia is but one example. This book gives an overview of warfare in the 20th century in all its forms, from conventional wars to guerilla warfare and terrorism. It describes the causes of wars, their course, and how peace was made. It shows, too, that sometimes the peacemakers merely create embryos for further conflict.

Indeed, making lasting peace is often more difficult than deciding to go to war. The Century of Warfare also traces the awesome developments in weapons technology. From the breech-loading artillery of 1914 and the development of tanks and mortars, through rocket systems and submarines, to the devastating effects of strategic aircraft bombing and chemical and nuclear warfare, this book examines how weapons technology heralded a new and increasingly lethal era of conflict.