Diplomacy, War, and Technology since 1830

"Pearton’s historical approach adds needed depth and perspective to many contemporary discussions of the arms problem. . . . This is an illuminating and incisive inquiry into a phenomenon of unquestioned importance."—International Affairs

"All those involved in the decision-making process of government would do well to study Mr. Pearton's splendid book."—The Economist

"No other book combines so much of modern military history with so rich an exploration of related factors in industry, finance, education, and technology, as well as statecraft. Combining strands of history from all these areas, Pearton makes an unusually complete and cogent case for the breakdown of traditional distinctions between the civil and the military, and even between war and peace. This is an excellent work of military and economic history."—Russell F. Weigley, author of The American Way of War

"This is an interesting and very useful book. It traces the impact of evolving military technology on the national security problem from 1830 to the present. This subject sets into context the current debate about arms racing and the military-industrial complex, and the author argues convincingly that the impact of military technology on the state has been so great as to call into question much of the traditional distinction between war and peace. His historical approach adds needed depth and perspective to many contemporary discussions of the arms problem, and his good sense of historical and economic factors avoids both the narrow military and technical emphasis and the moralistic futility which too often afflict work on this subject. The book is well written, and an entertaining read. I recommend it as an illuminating and incisive inquiry into a phenomenon of unquestioned importance."—Barry Buzan of the University of Warwick, writing in International Affairs