Hubris: The Tragedy of War in the Twentieth Century by Alistair Horne

In Hubris, historian Alistair Horne examines five pivotal military conflicts that defined the twentieth century — from the Russo-Japanese War to Vietnam — to explore how overconfidence and arrogance have shaped the course of modern warfare. With his trademark narrative clarity and deep historical insight, Horne reveals how the human tendency toward hubris led leaders and nations to catastrophe. Drawing striking parallels across eras and continents, this book becomes a profound meditation on ambition, pride, and the enduring lessons of war.