Eve of Destruction: The Coming Age of Preventive War
"Nichols's grasp of diplomatic history, especially of recent diplomatic history, is sound, and his understanding of international relations theory and organizations is a strength of the work.  Nichols develops and uses a variety of sources, including many from both foreign governments and press organs.  His notes, in themselves, can be fascinating reading." -- John Broom, H-War"Thomas Nichols transcends sterile debates about Iraq and the Bush Doctrine and points instead to the fundamental erosion in two long-standing international norms: the inviolability of state sovereignty and the unacceptability of preventive war. These profound changes are driven by the very real threat of mass casualty suicide terrorism as well as humanitarian disasters and the problem of failed states. This is a smart, incisive, and important book."—Robert J. Lieber, Georgetown University"Preventive war is here to stay. The question isn't whether but when and how force will be used preventively. That is the important message of this excellent book. Nichols provides the critical answers clearly and convincingly."—Ivo Daalder, Brookings Institution"Nichols provides a lively guide to the development of this issue after the Cold War."—Foreign Affairs