"...an important contribution to the literature on the causes of war. Students of history and international politics should find the book accessible and provocative. Paul raises an important and timely issue that has received limited attention, and his contribution is certain to spark debate. The book serves as an excellent reminder that conflict processes are often complex and do not lend themselves to easy solutions." Martin Malin, Journal of International Affairs

• Part I. Theoretical Framework: 1. Introduction: war initiation in international relations theory; 2. Explaining war initiation by weaker powers in asymmetric conflicts; Part II. The Case Studies: 3. The Japanese offensive against Russia, 1904; 4. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 1941; 5. The Chinese intervention in Korea, 1950; 6. The Pakistani offensive in Kashmir, 1965; 7. The Egyptian offensive in the Sinai, 1973; 8. The Argentine invasion of the Falklands/Malvinas, 1982; 9. Conclusion.

"...an important contribution to the literature on the causes of war. Students of history and international politics should find the book accessible and provocative. Paul raises an important and timely issue that has received limited attention, and his contribution is certain to spark debate. The book serves as an excellent reminder that conflict processes are often complex and do not lend themselves to easy solutions." Martin Malin, Journal of International Affairs

• Part I. Theoretical Framework: 1. Introduction: war initiation in international relations theory; 2. Explaining war initiation by weaker powers in asymmetric conflicts; Part II. The Case Studies: 3. The Japanese offensive against Russia, 1904; 4. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 1941; 5. The Chinese intervention in Korea, 1950; 6. The Pakistani offensive in Kashmir, 1965; 7. The Egyptian offensive in the Sinai, 1973; 8. The Argentine invasion of the Falklands/Malvinas, 1982; 9. Conclusion.

"...an important contribution to the literature on the causes of war. Students of history and international politics should find the book accessible and provocative. Paul raises an important and timely issue that has received limited attention, and his contribution is certain to spark debate. The book serves as an excellent reminder that conflict processes are often complex and do not lend themselves to easy solutions." Martin Malin, Journal of International Affairs

• Part I. Theoretical Framework: 1. Introduction: war initiation in international relations theory; 2. Explaining war initiation by weaker powers in asymmetric conflicts; Part II. The Case Studies: 3. The Japanese offensive against Russia, 1904; 4. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 1941; 5. The Chinese intervention in Korea, 1950; 6. The Pakistani offensive in Kashmir, 1965; 7. The Egyptian offensive in the Sinai, 1973; 8. The Argentine invasion of the Falklands/Malvinas, 1982; 9. Conclusion.