War is one of the greatest human evils. It has ruined livelihoods, provoked unspeakable atrocities and left countless millions dead. It has caused economic chaos and widespread deprivation. But, argues bestselling historian Ian Morris, in the very long term, war has in fact been a good thing. In his trademark style, Morris shows that, paradoxically, war is the only human invention that has allowed us to construct peaceful societies.

Ian Morris is Willard Professor of Classics, Professor of History and a fellow of the Archaeology Centre at Stanford University. He is the bestselling author of Why the West Rules - For Now and has appeared on a number of television networks, including the History Network and PBS.