The Great Illusion A Study of the Relation of Military Power to National Advantage

The Great Illusion: A Study of the Relation of Military Power to National Advantage by Norman Angell is a groundbreaking analysis of the economic and political consequences of war. Angell challenges the traditional belief that military conquest leads to national prosperity arguing that in the modern world economic interdependence makes war irrational and self-defeating.Angell presents a compelling case that territorial expansion and military dominance do not necessarily translate into wealth or security. He emphasizes that the costs of war—both financial and human—outweigh any potential gains making conflict an ineffective tool for national advancement. His ideas radical at the time influenced pacifist and economic thought in the early 20th century contributing to discussions about international relations and peace.This book is essential reading for those interested in political science economics and the history of international relations. The Great Illusion remains a thought-provoking work offering insights into the misconceptions about military power and the complex dynamics of global stability.