Neiberg, Michael S.

Dance of the Furies: Europe and the Outbreak of World War I

Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2011. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.

No Flaws or Blemishes; Gift Quality. 9.5 inches tall; 292 pages with Chapter Notes and Index.

Michael S. Neiberg offers a fresh perspective on the causes behind the outbreak of World War I, focusing on Europe’s political and diplomatic landscape. He examines the complex web of alliances, national rivalries, and tensions that led to the war in 1914. Challenging traditional views, Neiberg emphasizes how fear, miscalculation, and emotional decision-making shaped the actions of European leaders, portraying them as driven by ingrained cultural fears rather than cold rationality.

The book explores the system of alliances and military strategies that often worsened tensions, contributing to the war’s escalation. Neiberg’s nuanced approach explores the psychological aspects of national identity and how emotion and irrationality influenced political decisions.

His work shows that the war’s outbreak was not inevitable but a result of complex, often irrational power dynamics. Neiberg’s balanced interpretation sheds light on the human elements of diplomacy, offering a compelling narrative of the origins of World War I.

Subjects: World War I, European History, Diplomacy, International Relations, 20th Century, Military History, World War I

Item #20508
ISBN: 9780674049543

Price: $45.00