Michael Howard

1) His Biography

Michael Eliot Howard, born on November 29, 1922, was a distinguished British military historian and strategist, whose life’s work left an indelible mark on the study of war and conflict. Raised in a family with a strong tradition of military service, Howard developed an early fascination with the subject. He attended the prestigious Wellington College and later served in the British Army during World War II, an experience that greatly influenced his academic pursuits.

After the war, Howard pursued his education at King’s College, Cambridge, where he read History. He earned a First-Class Honours degree, setting the stage for a remarkable academic career. His deep interest in military history led him to Oxford, where he completed his doctoral thesis on the Duke of Alba, a prominent figure in the Spanish Armada, solidifying his reputation as a serious historian.

Throughout his life, Michael Howard demonstrated a passion for teaching. He served as a lecturer at King’s College, Cambridge, and later as the Chichele Professor of the History of War at All Souls College, Oxford. His teaching was noted for its clarity, enthusiasm, and its ability to inspire students. His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as he played a pivotal role in founding the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, which later became a leading institution in the field.

As a historian, Howard’s scholarly contributions were vast and impactful. He authored numerous books and articles, most notably “The Franco-Prussian War,” “War in European History,” and “Clausewitz on War.” His writings revealed a profound understanding of military strategy, international relations, and the role of warfare in shaping history. His work often challenged conventional wisdom and sought to illuminate the complexities of war and diplomacy.

Michael Howard’s life was also intertwined with various esteemed institutions. He served as the President of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and was a fellow at the Royal Historical Society and the British Academy. His career culminated with his appointment as the Regius Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford, a position he held from 1980 to 1989.

2) Main Works

War in European History (1976):

This seminal work by Michael Howard examines the evolution of warfare in Europe from the Renaissance to the nuclear age. It explores the impact of technological advancements, political ideologies, and strategic thinking on European conflicts. “War in European History” is considered a classic in the field and showcases Howard’s ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.

The Franco-Prussian War (1961):

In this work, Michael Howard delves into the intricacies of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. He analyses the political and military dynamics that led to the conflict and provides a detailed account of the war’s key battles and consequences. This book is highly regarded for its insightful examination of the factors that shaped this pivotal event in European history.

Clausewitz on War (1984):

Michael Howard’s translation and commentary on Carl von Clausewitz’s seminal work “On War” has been influential in making Clausewitz’s ideas more accessible to English-speaking readers. Howard’s deep understanding of military theory and strategy shines in this book, as he elucidates and contextualizes Clausewitz’s thoughts on the nature of war, its political dimensions, and the concept of “friction” in warfare.

The Invention of Peace – Reflections on War and International Order (2000):

In this thought-provoking work, Michael Howard contemplates the concept of peace in the context of international relations and the historical development of the modern state system. He explores the delicate balance between war and peace, shedding light on the challenges of maintaining stability and order in a world marked by conflict.

The Lessons of History (1991):

In this collection of essays, Michael Howard offers his insights into various aspects of military history, strategy, and international relations. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the role of nuclear weapons, the art of diplomacy, and the impact of technological advancements on warfare. These essays provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and lessons of history in a rapidly changing world.

3) Main Themes

The Nature of War:

Michael Howard’s exploration of the nature of war is a fundamental theme throughout his works. He posited that war is a complex and dynamic phenomenon, often influenced by a multitude of factors beyond mere military strategy. He emphasized the interconnectedness of politics, diplomacy, and military action, asserting that war is a political instrument rather than a self-contained activity.

Howard’s perspective aligns with the teachings of Carl von Clausewitz, whose work “On War” emphasised the political character of war. Howard’s original contribution lies in his ability to expound upon Clausewitz’s ideas and contextualise them for contemporary discussions on international relations and security.

Howard delves into the economic and social factors that contribute to war. He argues that economic interests and social dynamics, such as nationalism and ideology, are key drivers of conflict. His insights into these aspects enrich the understanding of why and how wars occur.

Howard also touches on the role of human nature in warfare. He explores the psychological aspects of war, such as the inherent tension between rational decision-making and the chaotic nature of battle. He adds depth to this theme by considering the impact of emotions, biases, and cognitive limitations on military leaders and policymakers.

Strategy and Diplomacy:

Michael Howard’s writings on strategy and diplomacy are marked by his ability to bridge the theoretical and practical aspects of these domains. He contends that a nation’s military strategy should align with its broader diplomatic objectives, and that successful statecraft involves a careful balance between coercion and diplomacy.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” offers ancient wisdom on strategy, while more modern writers like Sir Basil Liddell Hart have explored strategy in the context of warfare. Howard’s originality lies in his contemporary application of these principles to the complexities of the modern international system.

Howard is renowned for his work on nuclear deterrence. He addresses the concept of deterrence, its effectiveness in preventing major conflict during the Cold War, and the moral dilemmas it raises. His contribution to this theme is evident in his ability to articulate the intricacies of deterrence theory, offering a nuanced perspective.

Howard’s writings also touch upon the significance of alliances and coalition warfare. He highlights the need for cooperative security arrangements in an increasingly interdependent world. His ideas regarding the politics of building and maintaining alliances offer valuable insights into contemporary international relations.

International Order and Peace:

Michael Howard’s work on international order and peace emphasises the delicate balance between conflict and stability in the international system. He argues that the concept of peace is not merely the absence of war, but a dynamic equilibrium requiring careful management.

Immanuel Kant’s “Perpetual Peace” and E.H. Carr’s “The Twenty Years’ Crisis” provide foundational ideas on international order and peace. Howard contributes by synthesising these theories with contemporary examples and the challenges of the post-Cold War world.

Howard explores the role of international institutions in maintaining peace. He examines their strengths and limitations in resolving conflicts and preventing the outbreak of wars. His analysis underscores the importance of multilateral diplomacy and the United Nations in preserving global stability.

Michael Howard’s historical approach to understanding peace is a distinctive aspect of his work. He argues that a historical perspective can provide essential insights into the mechanisms of peacemaking and the impact of past conflicts on contemporary international relations.

Historical Analysis of Warfare:

Michael Howard’s historical analysis of warfare is a cornerstone of his work. He employs a deep historical perspective to study the evolution of conflict, tracing the development of military strategies, tactics, and the impact of technology on warfare.

Howard’s approach aligns with that of historians like Sir Michael Eliot Howard, J.F.C. Fuller, and John Keegan. What sets Howard apart is his ability to provide a modern interpretation of historical events, drawing parallels between past conflicts and contemporary security challenges. His work often bridges the gap between historical narratives and practical insights for policymakers.

He examines the intricate relationship between technology and warfare. He analyses how innovations in weaponry, communication, and transportation have continually transformed the nature of conflict. His historical analysis includes a focus on the profound implications of nuclear technology and the challenges it presents to international security.

His work explores the concept of military innovation and the impact of strategic thinking on the development of new tactics and doctrines. He illustrates how innovation is often driven by the need to adapt to changing geopolitical environments and how it can be a decisive factor in the outcome of conflicts.

Ethics, Morality, and Warfare:

Michael Howard’s writings on ethics and morality in warfare address the complex and often contentious issue of how nations and individuals should conduct themselves during times of conflict. He emphasises the ethical dilemmas faced by military leaders and policymakers.

Howard’s approach can be compared to philosophers of war like Michael Walzer and Thomas Nagel. His originality lies in his application of ethical principles to real-world case studies, offering a practical framework for assessing the morality of war.

Howard engages with the principles of just war theory, examining its historical roots and its applicability in the modern era. He discusses the criteria for determining the justifiability of going to war and the conduct of war once it has commenced.

His work includes a critical analysis of the moral and ethical dilemmas presented by the advent of nuclear weapons. He questions the ethics of deterrence, the potential for mass destruction, and the responsibility of nations possessing such weapons.

4) Military History after Howard

Michael Howard’s contributions to the theory of military history have had a profound and lasting impact on the field, shaping the direction of scholarship and influencing subsequent generations of historians and strategists. His work redefined the study of military history in several ways.

First, Howard emphasised the importance of integrating military history with political, diplomatic, and social dimensions. He argued that war cannot be understood in isolation from the broader context of international relations and the political motivations that underpin military actions. This approach transformed military history from a mere chronicle of battles and campaigns into a multidisciplinary field that examines the complex interactions between military strategy and statecraft.

Furthermore, Howard’s application of historical analysis to contemporary strategic issues set a precedent for historians to engage with present-day policy challenges. His ability to draw historical parallels and provide insights into modern conflicts contributed to the practical relevance of military history. In doing so, he demonstrated that the study of the past is essential for comprehending the complexities of the present and for informing future policy decisions.

Howard’s focus on the moral and ethical dimensions of warfare, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons, pushed the boundaries of military history theory. He challenged historians to consider not only the strategic and operational aspects of war but also the profound ethical dilemmas that emerge in the use of military force. This enriched the field by broadening its scope to encompass questions of morality and just conduct in war.

In the post-Howard era of military history, scholars and strategists have continued to build upon his foundation. They have embraced a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach, recognising that the study of military history is indispensable in understanding the complexities of international conflict and security. His influence is evident in the growing emphasis on the political and ethical dimensions of warfare, and in the ongoing efforts to connect historical analysis with contemporary policy challenges. Michael Howard’s legacy as a military historian remains enduring and continues to shape the way we examine and interpret the dynamics of war and strategy.

5) His Legacy

Michael Howard’s legacy in the fields of military history, strategy, and international relations is profound and enduring. As a historian, he has left an indelible mark through his numerous publications and his groundbreaking approach to studying the nature of war. His influence has extended beyond academia, shaping the way we perceive and engage with military history.

One of his lasting contributions is the redefinition of military history as a multidisciplinary field. He demonstrated that war cannot be comprehended in isolation but must be considered within its political, diplomatic, and social context. His emphasis on the interconnectedness of military strategy and statecraft has paved the way for a more holistic approach to the study of conflict.

Michael Howard’s ability to bridge the gap between history and contemporary strategic challenges remains a defining aspect of his legacy. By applying historical analysis to modern policy dilemmas, he underscored the enduring relevance of military history. His work served as a blueprint for scholars and policymakers seeking to draw valuable insights from the past to address present-day security issues.

In the realm of ethics and warfare, Howard’s contributions continue to influence discussions on the moral and ethical aspects of conflict. His exploration of just war theory and nuclear ethics has sparked ongoing debates and reflections on the responsibilities of nations in the use of military force. His work has deepened our understanding of the moral dimensions of war, encouraging scholars and policymakers to grapple with the ethical complexities inherent in international conflicts.