War

What is War?

War is an armed conflict between states or groups with a certain command structure, characterized by extreme violence and destruction, using regular or irregular military forces. It has been a universal aspect of human nature, with some scholars arguing it’s a result of socio-cultural or economic circumstances. The English word ‘war’ derives from Old Germanic words meaning ‘confusion’.

The History of Warfare

Warfare has a long history, with evidence of violent conflict increasing during the Mesolithic period and the emergence of metal weapons in the Bronze Age. Approximately 90-95% of known societies have engaged in warfare throughout history, with primitive combat forms such as raids and massacres being used by early societies.

Modern Warfare

Modern warfare has seen significant changes with the invention of gunpowder, technological advances, and the rise of civil wars and insurgencies since 1945. Chemical warfare: use of weaponized chemicals in combat, resulted in over a million casualties during WWI. Cold warfare: intense international rivalry without direct military conflict, with sustained threat and high military preparations.

Types of Warfare

Cyberwarfare: attack on another nation’s information systems by a nation-state or international organization. Insurgency: rebellion against authority using irregular forces to change an existing political order. Information warfare: application of destructive force on information assets and systems. Nuclear warfare: warfare with nuclear weapons as the primary method of achieving capitulation. Radiological warfare: deliberate radiation poisoning or contamination of an area. Total war: warfare by any means possible, disregarding laws of war, using significant civilian casualties. Unconventional warfare: military and quasi-military operations other than conventional warfare.

War Aims

What are the goals behind a war? War aims can be evaluated as propaganda tools or desired territorial, economic, military, or other benefits expected following successful conclusion of a war. Tangible (acquisition of territory), intangible (accumulation of credibility), explicit (published policy decisions), implicit (minutes of discussion, memoranda). Positive (tangible outcomes), negative (forestalling undesired outcomes).

Effects of War

How does war impact society? Military and civilian casualties, estimated total deaths due to war vary widely 1% of all deaths, varying estimates ranging from 2% to 151 million (3000 BCE-1991). World War II was the deadliest war with 70-85 million deaths. The Mongol conquests had up to 60 million deaths. Paraguayan War was the most destructive in modern history as a proportion of prewar population.

Impact on Military Personnel

What about those who fight? Military personnel often suffer mental and physical injuries, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, disease, injury, and death. In World War II, 98% of surviving military personnel became psychiatric casualties after 60 days of continuous combat. Vietnam war veterans suffered from PTSD at rates of 18-54%. American Civil War had the highest number of US military deaths with over 620,000 killed.

Historical Context

How have wars shaped history? World War I saw 8 million European military fatalities and 7 million permanent disabilities. Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow was more deadly due to disease than battle casualties. Modern medical advances prevented many war-related deaths from disease and infection. Most wars result in significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and negative effects on civilians’ quality of life and health outcomes.

Theories of War Motivation

Why do nations go to war? Theories include psychoanalytic theories that suggest war is often driven by unconscious desires and psychological needs. Military theorist Carl von Clausewitz believed that each age has its own unique characteristics and preconceptions about war.

Economic Views

Are wars economically motivated? Economic views include war as a pursuit of markets for natural resources and wealth, or as a result of competition between great powers for resources and markets. Marxist theory: all modern wars are caused by competition for resources and markets between great (imperialist) powers.

Demographic Theories

Do population dynamics play a role? Demographic theories include Malthusian theories, suggesting that expanding populations and scarce resources as a source of violent conflict. Youth bulge theories: young populations may be more likely to engage in violent conflict.

The Morality of War

Is war ever justified? The morality of war is debated through just war theory, which includes criteria for declaring war (jus ad bellum) and rules for conducting war (jus in bello). Just war theory has shaped international law and the creation of the United Nations. Religious groups have formally opposed or sought to limit war.

Anti-War Movements

Are there movements against war? Anti-war movements have occurred throughout history, including World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and responses to US invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Brief pauses of violence during a war can be called for, but may be hindered by obstacles and hesitations.

War, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has shaped human history in profound ways. From the earliest recorded conflicts to modern technological warfare, it continues to be a central theme in our world. Understanding its causes, effects, and moral implications is crucial for building a more peaceful future.