Niall Ferguson's book, "The War of the World: Twentieth-Century Conflict and the Descent of the West," examines the tumultuous events of the 20th century, framing them as a struggle between significant evils rather than clear-cut good and bad. He argues that many conflicts were driven by not just ideology but by the darker aspects of human nature and the pursuit of power, leading to a complex landscape where actions are often justified by the intention to combat greater threats.

The quote "It was a war of evil against lesser evil" encapsulates Ferguson's perspective on the moral ambiguities of war, suggesting that in many historical contexts, the choices faced were not between good and evil but rather between various harmful options. This view challenges traditional narratives and encourages readers to reflect on the ethical implications of conflict and the compromises made during times of war.