A bold and controversial rethinking of the role of war in human history and how it will shape our future, sure to provoke debate, from the bestselling author of Why the West Rules - For Now.

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.