The decision to fight 'humanitarian wars' - such as Kosovo - and the development of technology to make war more humane, illustrates the trend in the West to try to humanise war, and thereby humanise modernity. This highly controversial and cutting-edge book asks whether the attempt to make war 'virtual' or 'virtuous' can succeed and whether the west is deluding itself (not its enemies) in thinking that war can ever be made more humane. Christopher Coker's radical conclusion is that Western humanitarian warfare is in fact an endgame as other non-Western societies will make sure it does not succeed. Eminently readable, this book combines theory with accounts by politicians and serving military personnel, alongside illuminating literary insights. It will be vital reading for all those interested in international relations and strategic studies and defence issues, including journalists, students and politicians.

The decision to fight 'humanitarian wars' - such as Kosovo - and the development of technology to make war more humane, illustrates the trend in the West to try to humanise war, and thereby humanise modernity. This highly controversial and cutting-edge book asks whether the attempt to make war 'virtual' or 'virtuous' can succeed and whether the west is deluding itself (not its enemies) in thinking that war can ever be made more humane. Christopher Coker's radical conclusion is that Western humanitarian warfare is in fact an endgame as other non-Western societies will make sure it does not succeed. Eminently readable, this book combines theory with accounts by politicians and serving military personnel, alongside illuminating literary insights. It will be vital reading for all those interested in international relations and strategic studies and defence issues, including journalists, students and politicians.