Transmitting an understanding of warfare from World War I to the present, "Why Nations Go to War", a unique book and a product of reflection by author, John G. Stoessinger, is built around ten case studies, culminating in the new wars that ushered in the twenty-first century: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wars between Arabs and Israelis in Gaza and in Lebanon. The distinguishing feature of the book remains the author's emphasis on the pivotal role of the personalities of leaders who take their nations, or their following, across the threshold into war. .

The Iron Dice -- Barbarossa -- The Temptations of victory: Korea -- A Greek tragedy in five acts: Vietnam -- From Sarajevo to Kosovo: The war over the remains of Yugoslavia -- Four battles over God: India and Pakistan in 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1998 -- The Sixty Years' War in the Holy Land: Israel and the Arabs -- Saddam Hussein's wars against Iran and Kuwait -- New wars for a new century: America and the world of Islam -- Why nations go to war.