Run-up to The Great War

For John, BLUF:  It isn't what we don't know that hurts most, but what we know that isn't true.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

---

From the web magazine War on the Rocks, we have this piece by Ali Wyne, an Associate of Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, "Disillusioned by the Great Illusion:  The Outbreak of the Great War"

As we approach the centennial of World War I, Norman Angell is likely to receive more than the ritual criticisms that he endures in college and university courses on international relations each semester.  Despite enjoying a sterling career—he served in the British Parliament, received a knighthood for public service at the end of his time in office, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1933—he is remembered primarily for a book that he wrote in 1910, The Great Illusion.

The standard belief is that Mr Angell argued that due to economic interdependence war in Europe was impossible.  In fact, he argued that due to economic interdependence, war in Europe would be a disaster.

And it was.

Regards  —  Cliff