An Inquiry into the Nature of Peace and the Terms of Its Perpetuation

Name: An Inquiry into the Nature of Peace and the Terms of Its Perpetuation
Author: Thorstein Veblen

By Thorstein Veblen

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - Modern (1750+)History - Other Philosophy & Ethics Politics Sociology

About This Book

A systematic inquiry examines the social and institutional causes that drive states toward war or peace, treating breaches of peace as governmental acts shaped by legacy feudal structures, competitive military preparedness, and the material and prestige interests of ruling classes. It analyzes patriotism as an emulative prestige that can be mobilized to justify aggressive policy, explores how economic aims, national honour, and dynastic politics sustain armaments and rivalry, and argues that durable peace depends less on moral exhortation than on altering the incentives of states through constraints on militarism, restructuring economic and political interests, or neutral arrangements among powers.

About the Author

Thorstein Veblen

Thorstein Veblen was an American economist and sociologist, best known for his critique of capitalism and his analysis of social behavior. His seminal work, "The Theory of the Leisure Class," introduced the concept of conspicuous consumption, exploring how social status is expressed through consumption patterns. Veblen's writings often examined the intersection of economics and culture, emphasizing the role of social institutions in shaping human behavior. In addition to his influential essays, such as "The Place of Science in Modern Civilisation," he contributed significantly to the understanding of industrial society and the dynamics of social classes. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of economics and sociology.