In "War and Peace and War," Peter Turchin masterfully bridges the chasm between evolutionary biology and the sweeping tides of history to present a groundbreaking thesis on the rise and fall of empires. With a keen analytical eye, Turchin posits that the crucible for empire-building is not merely the ambition of rulers or the fortunes of war, but the deeper, underlying capacity of societies for collective action. Through a tapestry of historical narratives, from the Roman Empire to the United States, Turchin illustrates how periods of intense cooperation, driven by the need to confront common adversaries, forge mighty empires. Yet, this unity is a double-edged sword; as empires expand, the chasm between the rich and the poor widens, sewing the seeds of internal conflict and, ultimately, the dissolution of these vast entities. Turchin's argument is both a revelation and a warning, presented with compelling clarity and supported by a wealth of historical data. "War and Peace and War" transcends traditional historiography, offering insights into the nature of human cooperation, conflict, and the cyclical forces that propel societies to greatness and guide them through decline. This book is not merely a chronicle of past empires; it is a lens through which to view the dynamics of current global powers, making it an essential read for anyone intrigued by the forces that have shaped human civilization across the millennia.