In this far-reaching exploration of the evolution of warfare in human history, Jack S. Levy and William R. Thompson provide insight into the perennial questions of why and how humans fight. Beginning with the origins of warfare among foraging groups, The Arc of War draws on a wealth of empirical data to enhance our understanding of how war began and how it has changed over time. The authors point to the complex interaction of political economy, political and military organization, military technology, and the threat environment, all of which create changing incentives for states and other actors. They conclude that those actors that adapt survive, and those that do not are eliminated or subordinated. In modern times, warfare between major powers has become exceedingly costly and therefore quite rare, while lesser powers are too weak to fight sustained and decisive wars or to be prevent internal rebellions and civil wars.

The evolution of war -- The origins of war -- Evolutionary and coevolutionary processes -- The first two agrarian warfare accelerations -- The third evolutionary acceleration -- The coevolution of the western military trajectory -- Nonwestern military trajectories -- The coevolution of war, past and future.

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