The work is not only a comprehensive source of information for interested laymen, but is also suitable as training material for security authorities and institutions involved in these issues in research and teaching. Assessment of this work by Privatdozent Dr Fernando Mires, CvO University of Oldenburg: The work reviewed here is not a diploma thesis in the usual sense. Because of its scope, the range of the topic and the topic itself, it is suitable for a dissertation. Erich Bernhard Ries has thereby proved that he is able to undertake global analyses, to compare different historical situations and yet not lose the thread of logical continuity. I consider this thesis to be one of the most interesting and informative contributions that have been written recently on the question of violence. Prof. Dr. Shapour Ravasani, CvO University of Oldenburg: Throughout the entire work, he manages to maintain a close link between historical and theoretical analysis. This enables the reader to form his or her own opinion about the causes and conditions for the development of small-scale warfare. Mr Ries' above-average ability to present and evaluate causes, consequences and interrelationships is...convincingly demonstrated. On the one hand, he is able to identify the common basic conditions and interrelationships in the emergence of small-scale warfare, while on the other hand, he always takes into account the specific national or epoch-related conditions when analysing a specific case. he has convincingly succeeded in presenting a stringent, well-founded analysis of a complex topic on the basis of his above-average historical and theoretical knowledge`.