Fromkin, David

Examines knowledge that has come to light since the 1960s in an attempt to understand the real reasons why World War I occurred.

Uses the conflict in the former Yugoslavia as a lens through which to consider the questions of when, why, and how the United States should attempt to resolve crises overseas if they do not threaten the nation's physical security.

When war broke out in Europe in 1914, the European population was enjoying an exceptionally beautiful summer. But the peace did not last and seemingly, in an instant, Europe went from tranquility to war. But it was not in an instant. It had been building for centuries and the Sarajevo assassination of the heir to the Austrian-Hungarian throne was just the pull on the trigger that had been set long before, as far back as the fourth century, A. D. when the decision was made to divide the Roman Empire between the Latin-speaking west and the Greek-speaking east.