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Well over 200 million people died in the Twentieth Century as a result of actions undertaken by nations.
What drives societies toward violent political conflicts that result in massive destruction and self-destruction? Focusing on the case of Hitler and Nazism, Nations Have the Right to Kill examines the ideas and ideologies that generate warfare and genocide.

Is war driven by motives such as the wish for conquest, territorial expansion, national defense or economic gain—as many people assume? This exciting, groundbreaking book shows that Hitler waged war based on the wish for the annihilation—not only of the Jews—but of himself, his nation and the German people.

This book explores a question whose answer may determine the future of the human race: Why do we believe that nations have the right to kill?

• Nationalism as a religion
• The meaning of the Holocaust
• Dying for one’s country
• The logic of genocide
• Soldiers as victims
• Why Hitler waged war

“Combining solid historical scholarship and profound psychological insight, Koenigsberg opens the door to a host of further explorations. Scholarly will welcome this study that addresses the whys of the Holocaust, and genocide.” —Dr. Steven Leonard Jacobs, Chair of Judaic Studies, University of Alabama

“Richard Koenigsberg’s ideas cut through conventional notions about war, enabling us to understand human institutions in utterly new ways.” —Ruth Stein, Ph.D., New York University

“A deep humanity and ethical urgency informs this book, which is full of original and provocative insights.” —Walter A. Davis, Professor Emeritus, Ohio State University

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