The Sleepwalkers

What the Dark Valley does to understand the roots of WW2 this does for WW1.

It is a complex subject and this book certainly doesn't try and hide that.  As with The Dark Valley, the parallels to current events and attitudes are disturbing.  While there is not social media, there is the popular press and public opinion; at times ignored and also used as justification.  Politicians and leaders seemed more focussed on the "good for their country" rather than staying in power, however if you are a monarchy or absolute ruler, the thought of not being in power probably doesn't enter the thought process.

The feeling that time was running out motivated some countries; the belief that war would be a short lived glorious enterprise; the resignation that it was inevitable or that it was in the hands of others; the denigration of some countries importance while building up that of others; wonderful levels of hypocrisy.

I read this two years ago and in looking at Christopher Clark's new book I recalled I might have read something of his before and found this unpublished post.  Published now.