How to Think About War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy

How to Think About War presents Thucydides' key speeches from The History of the Peloponnesian War, newly translated by Johanna Hanink. This concise volume focuses on the essential arguments and rhetoric used by Athenian leaders as they debated military intervention and strategy. The book centers on speeches by Pericles and other prominent figures who addressed the Athenian Assembly during critical moments of the conflict with Sparta. The translations maintain the immediacy and force of the original Greek while making the complex arguments accessible to modern readers. Through footnotes, commentary, and historical context, Cohen guides readers through the political and ethical dimensions of each speech. Each section includes background information about the speaker and the specific circumstances that prompted their address. The collection reveals enduring questions about democracy, leadership, and the use of military power that remain relevant to contemporary foreign policy debates. The speeches demonstrate how rhetoric shapes public opinion and political decision-making during times of international crisis.

Readers value the book's accessible translation of Thucydides' speeches and its parallels to modern foreign policy. Multiple reviews noted that Cohen provides helpful historical context without overcomplicating the source material. Likes: - Clear explanations before each speech - Useful introduction on the Peloponnesian War - Side-by-side Greek and English text - Contemporary relevance Dislikes: - Limited selection of speeches - Missing some key historical details - No maps or visual aids - Thin paperback binding quality Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (41 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (32 ratings) Reader quote: "Cohen makes ancient rhetoric digestible for modern readers while preserving the gravity of wartime decision-making" - Amazon review Some readers wished for more analysis of how the ancient arguments apply to current conflicts, though others appreciated the focus on direct translation over commentary.

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🏺 The book is actually a translation of speeches by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, focusing on arguments for and against the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE). ⚔️ Thucydides himself served as an Athenian general during the war he wrote about, giving him unique first-hand experience of the events and strategies he describes. 📜 The centerpiece of the book is the famous Pericles' Funeral Oration, considered one of the most important speeches in Western history and a foundational text for democratic ideals. 🎭 The book presents speeches in a dramatic format, similar to a play, allowing readers to hear multiple perspectives on war from various Athenian and Spartan leaders. 🌟 Translator Johanna Hanink, a Professor of Classics at Brown University, provides modern context and commentary that connects these ancient debates to contemporary foreign policy discussions. [Note: I should point out that there appears to be a confusion in your question - the book is translated by Johanna Hanink, not Gerald Cohen. I've included this information in the facts above.]