War must be regarded as an institution which has evolved over time. In this book the nature of war and the factors that sustain it are considered from diverse perspectives - anthropology, history, political science, theology, philosophy, international law, economics, psychiatry and biology.

Acknowledgements - Contributors - Aggression and the Institution of War; R.A.Hinde - Editorial: The Nature of War - War: Natural but not necessary; J.Mueller - Some Psychological Bases of the Institution of War; H.Middleton - History and War; H.Pogge von Strandmann - An Anthropological View of War and Violence; E.Gellner - Editorial: The Institution of War - Sacrifice; S.Sykes - Nurturing the Institution of War: 'Just War' Theory's 'Justifications' and Accommodations; R.E.Santoni - Legal Bases of the Institution of War; J.G.Collier - In Defence of the Laws of War; C.Greenwood - A Note on Patriotism/Nationalism; R.A.Hinde - Imaginings of War: Some Cultural Supports of the Institution of War; J.M.Winter - Do Modern Economies require War or Preparations for Warfare?; M.Kaldor - Defence Decision Making and Accountability; S.Elworthy - The Institution of Conscription: the Case of Finland; B.Phillips - Editorial: Conclusion - Index