HIST 2905

Global History of War from the 16th Century to the Present

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

What is war? How has it changed over time? How and why do states engage in war and what social, economic and political factors determine when and what kind of war breaks out? Who fights wars and why? This class answers these questions by tracing the evolution of modern warfare from the beginnings of nationalism and state-formation in 16th century Europe to the present day. Focusing on questions of total war, revolution, insurgency and counterinsurgency, colonial war and wars of resistance, grand strategy and political economy, students will learn about conventional and irregular war across a span of almost four hundred years, from Europe and the Americas to China and Japan, the Middle East, and North and Central Africa.

Distribution Requirements (HA-AG, SBA-AG), (HST-AS, SSC-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP

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