Niall Ferguson's "The Abyss: World War I and the End of the First Age of Globalization" explores the unpredictable nature of war and its implications on global relations. The author emphasizes how warfare often emerges from unforeseen circumstances, challenging the notion of preparedness and strategy. He examines the complexities that led to World War I, highlighting how a series of miscalculations and unexpected events spiraled into a global conflict.

Ferguson illustrates that the war's onset refuted many assumptions about diplomacy and power balances at the time. The unpredictability inherent in international relations can lead to catastrophic outcomes, as nations were drawn into a conflict that many believed could be avoided. The book serves as a reminder that the course of history can change in an instant, illustrating the delicate balance between peace and war in the global arena.