The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation is a profound exploration of why some societies choose to annihilate their enemies completely. Barry Strauss, a New York Times bestselling historian, highlights how past conflicts have ended in total destruction and urges readers to reflect on current events in light of this history. Victor Davis Hanson, a military historian, narrates gripping tales of civilizations that faced complete ruin from ancient times to the modern era. He examines critical moments including the fall of Thebes, the destruction of Carthage, the siege of Constantinople, and the conquest of Tenochtitlan, illustrating the dramatic and violent nature of these wars.

Hanson emphasizes that while the world has changed, human nature has not, making modern societies vulnerable to similar horrors of extinction. He warns that the naivety of those who lose a war can lead to devastating consequences, while the victors often justify their brutality through a sense of justified rage. The End of Everything serves as a stark reminder of the past's lessons on warfare and destruction, urging readers to recognize the urgency of preventing future obliteration and to reflect on the delicate balance of power and humanity's choices throughout history.