The Long Fuse: An Interpretation of the Origins of World War I by Laurence Lafore

“The Long Fuse: An Interpretation of the Origins of World War I” is a non-fiction book by Laurence Lafore, first published in 1965. In the book, Lafore provides an in-depth analysis of the causes of World War I, focusing on the political, economic, and social factors that led to the outbreak of the war.

Lafore argues that the war was the result of a complex web of political and economic tensions that had been building up in Europe for decades. He identifies several key factors that contributed to the outbreak of war, including the competition for colonies and markets, the arms race between the major powers, and the rise of nationalism and imperialism.

The book also examines the role of individual leaders and diplomatic decisions in the lead-up to the war. Lafore provides a critical analysis of the policies pursued by the major powers, arguing that their short-sightedness and lack of diplomacy contributed to the escalation of tensions and ultimately to the outbreak of war.

“The Long Fuse” has been widely praised for its detailed and nuanced analysis of the causes of World War I. It has been used as a textbook in history courses and has been cited as an important contribution to the field of international relations.