Before the War

Before the War by R. B. Haldane delivers a clear, insider account of British policy and diplomacy in the tense years immediately preceding World War I. Drawing on his experience as Secretary of State for War (1905–1912) and Lord High Chancellor (1912–1915), Haldane explains how Britain sought to avert conflict while quietly preparing for the worst between January 1906 and August 1914. Part history, part war stories, the book examines the diplomacy that shaped Europe, the evolving German attitude toward Britain, and the military preparations that defined pre-war strategy. Haldane balances thoughtful analysis of diplomatic correspondence, alliance politics, and public debate with candid reflections on army and naval reforms—offering readers a panoramic view of the political calculations and strategic choices that set the stage for 1914. His accessible prose transforms complex statecraft into compelling narrative without sacrificing nuance. Ideal for students of World War I, military and diplomatic historians, or any listener fascinated by the origins of modern conflict, Before the War by R. B. Haldane provides a firsthand perspective on the fragile politics of pre-war Europe and a sober lesson on the limits of diplomacy and preparedness.