An accessible and contemporary approach to the most iconic speeches from Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, leading the reader to the essence of the author's extensive knowledge on issues of diplomacy, foreign policy, and war.

Why do nations go to war? What values are citizens willing to die for? What justifies the invasion of a foreign country? And does its justification make it right? For nearly 2,500 years, students, thinkers, and political and military leaders have read the eloquent and astute speeches from Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, seeking inspiration from his insight on military conflict, diplomacy, and the reactions of people and nations during times of crisis.

In the book Thucydides: On War, the most influential and engaging speeches are presented in a new interpretative approach by Johanna Hanink, accompanied by an enlightening introduction, detailed notes, as well as the original text alongside the translation.

The result is an extremely accessible introduction to Thucydides’ extensive and demanding work History of the Peloponnesian War, which immerses the reader in the work of this timeless thinker.