Norman Angell

Robert Blatchford

Angell and Blatchford held opposing views on war and imperialism, with Blatchford advocating militarism while Angell argued for economic interdependence.

Homer Lea

Lea's apocalyptic warnings about Asian conquest conflicted with Angell's optimistic internationalism, making them intellectual adversaries.

Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt championed military strength and 'the strenuous life,' directly opposing Angell's anti-war economic arguments.

Lord Roberts

Roberts, a military leader, advocated for national preparedness and conscription, clashing with Angell's pacifist economic views.

John M. Robertson

Both were rationalist writers and critics of militarism, likely sharing similar views and possibly supporting each other's work.

Spenser Wilkinson

Wilkinson, a military writer, likely opposed Angell's anti-war economic theories, representing a militarist counterpoint.

Lecky

Lecky, a historian, may have influenced Angell's ideas on progress and civilization, with Angell citing his work.

Preface to the Fourth American Edition

Author of the preface, explaining revisions and the book's relevance to American and European problems.

The Great Illusion

The author and central figure, presenting the core argument that war and conquest are economically futile.

Part I: The Economics of the Case

The author and central figure presenting the economic case against the profitability of war.

The Impossibility of Confiscation

Author of the chapter, presenting the argument against the possibility of confiscation.

Foreign Trade and Military Power

The author, presenting his arguments against the economic benefits of military conquest.

VII: How Colonies Are Owned

The author, who systematically argues that the conquest of British colonies would be futile and that Great Britain would not suffer material damage from their loss.

VIII: The Fight for “The Place in the Sun”

The author and narrator, presenting the argument against the economic value of colonial conquest.

The Psychological Case for Peace

The author, who analyzes the psychological and moral arguments for war, arguing that they are untenable and that the moral case for war breaks down.

The State as a Person: A False Analogy and Its Consequences

The author, who presents the chapter's argument against the false analogy of the state as a person and its consequences for international conflict.

Part III: The Practical Outcome

Central figure; author of the work, presenting the argument that conquest is an optical illusion and that economic interdependence makes war futile.

I: The Relation of Defence to Aggression

Author of the book, defends his thesis against critics, clarifies his position on defence and aggression.

Is the Political Reformation Possible?

The author, who defends the possibility of political reformation and cites the success of his own pamphlet as evidence.

IV: Methods

Author of the book, presenting his arguments on the methods for achieving international reform.

Appendix

The author of 'The Great Illusion', responding to criticisms of his work in the wake of the Balkan War.