Can War Ever Be Justified or Bring Peace? A Historical and Philosophical Perspective on War
Introduction:
War. For millennia, it has brought devastation and suffering, yet also driven innovation. This endless cycle provokes the timeless question: can war ever lead to lasting peace? Or is it doomed to perpetuate only more violence?
As our interconnected world grapples with rising geopolitical tensions, this philosophical dilemma echoes louder than ever. Searching for answers requires delving into war's complex impacts on humanity. By analyzing its heavy costs alongside fleeting benefits, patterns emerge. Comparing diverse perspectives - from pacifism to just war theory - also uncovers profound truths about conflict's roots and remedies.
Ultimately, this journey illuminates pathways for transforming today's challenges. Beyond deterrence and brute force, lasting peace springs from planting seeds of empathy, justice, and cooperation. Now more than ever, we need the courage to nurture these roots. The future depends on it.
So join me in examining war's thorny relationship with peace. By better understanding this timeless paradox, we gain hope for writing our own story of nonviolent change. The mission is daunting, but not impossible. If you prefer the shorter version of this article is availible on Edu GlobeHub. Shall we begin?
Can War Be Justified?
What is a War? The Criteria and Principles of Moral Warfare
What is war? This is likely a question on many people's minds nowadays. First and foremost, let's talk about what war is. We often hear about war in movies and may have seen many films on the subject, but what is the real definition of war? War is a situation where violence is employed, typically using lethal weapons, between two or more states. It usually involves the participation of armies, navies, and various military forces, both large and small in scale. This can range from small localized conflicts to large-scale global wars, such as World War 1 and World War 2, which involved multiple countries. Wars can start for various reasons, including territorial disputes, ideological differences, or a scarcity of resources, which can be political or governmental goals.
If you delve into history, you'll find that wars come in various forms. There are traditional battles fought on land, at sea, or in the air. However, in today's modern age, warfare can also occur through the use of the internet and technology, a form known as cyber warfare. Additionally, there are battles or conflicts known as guerrilla warfare, which involve irregular military actions such as harassment or sabotage typically carried out by independent forces.
The Arguments For and Against War: Perspectives from Philosophy, Religion, and Politics
The contentious topic of war has been a subject of profound debate throughout human history. Some argue that war can find justification under specific circumstances, such as self-defense, humanitarian intervention, or the pursuit of justice. Conversely, some steadfastly maintain that war, under any circumstances, is never justifiable, citing its propensity to inflict immense suffering, devastation, and injustice. These perspectives stem from diverse wellsprings, including philosophy, religion, and politics.
- One influential philosophical standpoint on war, stemming from the works of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas within the Christian tradition, is the just war theory. This framework delineates a set of criteria and principles governing the moral permissibility and conduct of war. It posits that a war can only be deemed just if it satisfies the following conditions: a just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, reasonable chance of success, proportionality of means and ends, and as a last resort.
- In contrast, pacifism, another philosophical perspective, maintains that war is perpetually wrong and should be evaded at all costs. Rooted in the belief that violence is morally indefensible, ineffectual, or irrational, pacifism contends that peaceful means should invariably be sought and pursued. This standpoint can be driven by ethical convictions, religious values, or pragmatic considerations.
- The philosophical perspective of realism, in contrast, asserts that war is an inescapable facet of human affairs. It rests on the premise of human nature as self-serving, competitive, and power-hungry, while characterizing international relations as anarchic, tumultuous, and conflict-prone. Realism advocates for a pragmatic and rational approach to war, prioritizing national interests, security, and survival. Nevertheless, it faces opposition for its perceived cynicism, pessimism, and determinism.
Religion wields considerable influence in shaping viewpoints on war and peace, with varying faiths espousing distinct teachings. Some religions may endorse or condone war under specific circumstances or for particular purposes. For instance, Islam incorporates the concept of jihad, which encompasses both an inner spiritual struggle against evil and external physical combat against Islam's adversaries. Christianity introduces the concept of the crusade, signifying both a religious duty to fight for God's cause and a political campaign to safeguard or expand Christendom. Buddhism promotes ahimsa, signifying non-violence and refraining from harming any living being in thought.
Lastly, politics exerts a significant impact on individuals' perspectives and actions regarding war and peace. Different political systems, ideologies, or movements advocate varied policies or agendas about these issues. Some may favor or endorse war as a means to achieve or safeguard their objectives or interests, such as fascism, which advocates a militaristic and totalitarian regime to pursue national glory. In contrast, others may prioritize or advocate for peace as a core value or a vision in line with their goals or interests.
The Costs and Benefits of War: How War Affects People, Societies, and the Environment
War is one of the most devastating events in human history. You can analyze for yourself the consequences of war, which are often more harmful than beneficial. Today, we will examine both the positive and negative impacts of war on individuals, societies, and the environment.
War results in the destruction of many lives, not only in terms of human casualties but also through the loss of property and livelihoods. It negatively impacts the normal lives of people, whether they are the presidents of nations or middle-class individuals working 9 to 5 jobs. War also has a profound and adverse effect on societies, economies, and institutions. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, global economies experience a 12% reduction due to war, and the most affected are developing countries. War leads to the destruction of industries and infrastructure, causing unemployment, inflation, and increased public debt. These are some of the negative impacts that war has on individuals.
Now, let's discuss the environmental effects of war. Firstly, it severely damages the quality of land, water, and air, leading to climate change and a decrease in living organisms. War causes deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, oil spills, toxic waste dumping, and nuclear radiation, as evidenced by a research paper titled "Effects of War" by IvyPanda. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, more than 40% of the environmental damage caused by conflicts in the last 60 years has been to natural resources and the environment. You can find more information on these negative impacts in the article "The Environmental Costs of Wars."
Now, let's turn to the positive impacts that war can have or has had. Firstly, war is not solely synonymous with harm and destruction. If conflicts are handled correctly, they can serve as a source of innovation and improvement. During wars, there are scientific and technological advancements that benefit humanity in the long term. Wars have led to progress in fields like medicine, aviation, communication, computing, and space exploration. These advancements have played a crucial role in improving the quality of life and making significant strides in various domains. It's important to recognize that wars, while destructive, have also driven human innovation and progress.
War is a complex phenomenon with both positive and negative consequences. While it brings destruction and suffering, it has also been a catalyst for innovation and advancement. However, future generations must understand the true nature of war and how to respond to such situations without resorting to violence or justifying war.
The Alternatives to War: How to Prevent, Resolve, and Transform Conflicts Peacefully
If you're looking for an answer to the question, "Can war be justified?" one possible approach is to explore alternatives to war and consider how conflicts can be peacefully resolved. In other words, we can examine how aggressive conflicts can be transformed into peaceful ones. War is not the only option for dealing with disputes or differences. Many other methods and strategies can promote dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among conflicting parties. Here are some of the alternatives to war and how they can work:
- Negotiation: Negotiation is a process of communication and bargaining between two or more parties who have conflicting interests or goals. Negotiation aims to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or solution that satisfies the needs and interests of all parties. Negotiation can be done directly by the parties themselves or with the help of a third party, such as a mediator or a facilitator. Negotiation can prevent or resolve conflicts by allowing the parties to express their views, listen to each other, identify common ground, and find creative options You can read more on Transforming Conflict in detail.
- Mediation: Mediation is a process of intervention by a neutral and impartial third party who helps two or more parties who are in conflict to reach a voluntary and mutually satisfactory agreement or solution. Mediation does not impose a decision or a solution on the parties but rather assists them in finding their way out of the conflict. Mediation can prevent or resolve conflicts by providing a safe and confidential space for the parties to communicate, understand each other's perspectives, explore alternatives, and generate options that are well explained in Resolving Conflicts Peacefully by Jack Schafer Ph.D.
- Arbitration: Arbitration is a process of adjudication by a neutral and independent third party who hears the arguments and evidence of two or more parties who are in conflict and makes a binding decision or award based on the rules of law or equity. Arbitration is usually agreed upon by the parties in advance, either before or after the conflict arises. Arbitration can prevent or resolve conflicts by providing a quick and efficient way of settling disputes, avoiding lengthy and costly litigation, and ensuring compliance with the decision or award.
- Conciliation: Conciliation is a process of reconciliation by a neutral and trusted third party who acts as a bridge or a link between two or more parties who are in conflict. Conciliation aims to restore or improve the relationship between the parties, rather than to settle the substantive issues of the conflict. Conciliation can prevent or resolve conflicts by building trust, confidence, and goodwill among the parties, reducing hostility and animosity, and facilitating future cooperation.
- Dialogue: Dialogue is a process of exchange and interaction by two or more parties who have different views, beliefs, values, or experiences. Dialogue aims to foster mutual understanding, respect, and learning among the parties, rather than to persuade, convince, or change them. Dialogue can prevent or resolve conflicts by creating a space for listening, sharing, questioning, and reflecting, enhancing empathy and awareness, and discovering common ground.
These are some of the alternatives to war and how they can prevent, resolve, and transform conflicts peacefully. They are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive, but rather complementary and flexible. They can be used in different combinations and sequences depending on the nature and context of the conflict. They can also be supported by various actors and institutions at different levels of society. They require skills, knowledge, resources, and commitment from all involved. They are not easy or simple solutions, but they are possible and preferable solutions. They are alternatives to war that can make peace that lasts.
Can War Bring Peace?
What is Peace? The Distinction between Negative Peace (Absence of Violence) and Positive Peace (Presence of Justice)
One of the possible ways to answer the question "Can war bring peace?" is to explore the concept of peace and how it can be defined and measured. Peace is not a simple or singular concept, but rather a multidimensional and dynamic one. There are different types of peace, such as negative peace and positive peace, that have different implications and applications for war and conflict.
Negative peace is the absence of violence or conflict. It is when people are not fighting or actively harming one another. Negative peace can be achieved by ending or preventing war, violence, or aggression through various means, such as diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or coercion. Negative peace can be measured by indicators such as the number of deaths, injuries, or displacements caused by war or violence, the level of military expenditure or arms trade, or the presence or absence of peace agreements or ceasefires.
Positive peace is more than just the absence of violence. It is a state of harmony and well-being that involves the presence of justice, equality, human rights, and social progress. Positive peace can be achieved by addressing or eliminating the root causes and structural factors that generate or sustain war, violence, or injustice through various means, such as education, development, democracy, human security, or reconciliation. Positive peace can be measured by indicators such as the level of human development, social welfare, political participation, civil liberties, or environmental sustainability.
The distinction between negative peace and positive peace is important because it shows that war and peace are not binary opposites, but rather complex and interrelated phenomena. War can sometimes bring negative peace by ending or reducing violence or conflict, but it can also undermine positive peace by creating or exacerbating injustice, inequality, or human suffering. Peace can sometimes prevent or resolve war by removing or reducing the sources or triggers of violence or conflict, but it can also require war as a means of achieving or maintaining justice, freedom, or security.
Therefore, the question "Can war bring peace?" does not have a simple or universal answer. It depends on how we define and measure peace, and what kind of peace we are aiming for. It also depends on the context and circumstances of each war and conflict, and the costs and benefits of each option and outcome. Ultimately, it is a question that requires careful and critical thinking, as well as ethical and moral judgment.
The Obstacles to Peace: The Barriers and Challenges that Hinder the Achievement and Maintenance of Peace
One of the main obstacles to peace is the persistence of violence and conflict. Violence and conflict can be caused by various reasons, such as political, economic, social, ethnic, religious, or ideological differences or disputes. Violence and conflict can also be fueled by various factors, such as greed, fear, hatred, revenge, or power. Violence and conflict can create a vicious cycle of insecurity, instability, and hostility that prevents or undermines peace efforts. According to the Global Peace Index 2021, the world has become less peaceful in the past decade, with 87 countries deteriorating and 73 improving.
Another obstacle to peace is the lack of justice and human rights. Justice and human rights are essential for peace, as they ensure that people are treated fairly and equally and that their dignity and well-being are respected and protected. However, many people around the world suffer from injustice and human rights violations, such as oppression, discrimination, exploitation, torture, or genocide. These violations can create or exacerbate grievances, resentment, or anger that can lead to violence or conflict. According to the Human Rights Watch World Report 2021, human rights conditions have worsened in many countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, authoritarianism, populism, nationalism, or extremism.
A third obstacle to peace is the lack of cooperation and dialogue. Cooperation and dialogue are necessary for peace, as they enable people to communicate, understand, and collaborate across differences or divisions. However, many people around the world face barriers or challenges to cooperation and dialogue, such as mistrust, prejudice, stereotypes, or misinformation. These barriers or challenges can prevent or hinder people from finding common ground or solutions that can benefit all parties. According to the Global Cooperation Report 2021, global cooperation has declined in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and cyberattacks.
The Pathways to Peace: The Strategies and Methods that Promote the Prevention, Resolution, and Transformation of Conflicts
One of the pathways to peace is prevention. Prevention is the act of stopping violence or conflict from happening in the first place or from escalating further. Prevention can be done by addressing or eliminating the root causes or structural factors that generate or sustain violence or conflict through various means, such as education, development, democracy, human security, or reconciliation. Prevention can also be done by detecting or responding to early warning signs or indicators of potential violence or conflict through various means, such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or conciliation. Prevention can save lives, resources, and time, and create a conducive environment for peace. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said,
The best way to deal with conflict is to prevent it.
Another pathway to peace is resolution. Resolution is the act of ending violence or conflict through peaceful means. Resolution can be done by facilitating dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or solution that satisfies their needs and interests. Resolution can also be done by involving third parties who can help mediate, arbitrate, or adjudicate disputes neutrally and impartially. Resolution can reduce violence, tension, and hostility, and create a foundation for peace. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela said,
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
A third pathway to peace is transformation. Transformation is the act of changing violence or conflict into positive and constructive outcomes. Transformation can be done by addressing or healing the psychological, emotional, or relational wounds caused by violence or conflict through various means, such as forgiveness, apology, restitution, or reconciliation. Transformation can also be done by building or strengthening the social, political, or institutional structures that support peace through various means, such as democracy, human rights, justice, or development. Transformation can enhance wellbeing, trust, and cooperation, and create a culture of peace. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martin Luther King Jr. said,
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
The Vision of Peace: The Values and Principles that Inspire a Culture of Peace
Peace is not only the absence of violence or conflict but also the presence of justice and human rights. Justice and human rights are the conditions that ensure that people are treated fairly and equally and that their dignity and well-being are respected and protected. Justice and human rights are the basis for peace, as they prevent or reduce grievances, resentment, or anger that can lead to violence or conflict. Justice and human rights are also the goals of peace, as they promote or restore harmony and well-being among people. As former US President Jimmy Carter said,
Peace is much more than the absence of war; it is the presence of justice.
Peace is also the presence of harmony and well-being. Harmony and well-being are the states of balance and satisfaction that people experience within themselves, with others, and with nature. Harmony and well-being are the sources of peace, as they generate positive emotions, attitudes, and behaviors that can prevent or reduce violence or conflict. Harmony and well-being are also the fruits of peace, as they enhance happiness, health, and prosperity among people. As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said,
If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.
Which War Is Going On Now?
One of the most prominent wars that is going on now is the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has been ongoing for decades and has escalated in recent months. This war involves political, religious, historical, and territorial disputes, as well as human rights violations, violence, and suffering on both sides.
The causes of the war are complex and multifaceted, but some of the main factors include: the competing claims to the land of Israel/Palestine by Jews and Arabs; the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement and occupation of millions of Palestinians; the failure of various peace initiatives and negotiations to resolve the core issues of the conflict, such as the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a potential Palestinian state, the security of Israel, and the rights of refugees; the rise of militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad that reject Israel's existence and launch attacks against Israeli civilians and military targets; the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem that violate international law and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution; the political divisions and corruption within both Israeli and Palestinian leaderships that hinder dialogue and compromise; and the involvement and influence of regional and international actors that have different interests and agendas in the conflict.
The regions of war are mainly located in the Middle East, where Israel and Palestine are situated. The conflict affects not only these two entities, but also their neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The war also has global implications, as it affects the stability and security of the region, the interests and alliances of major powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union, and the sentiments and mobilization of various religious and ethnic communities around the world.
The actors of war are numerous and diverse, ranging from state actors to non-state actors, from formal institutions to informal networks, from armed forces to civil society groups. Some of the main actors include:
- Israel is a sovereign state with a parliamentary democracy, a powerful military, a nuclear arsenal, and a close alliance with the United States.
- Palestine, which is a de facto state with limited recognition, is divided between the West Bank (ruled by the Palestinian Authority) and the Gaza Strip (ruled by Hamas), with a weak economy, a fragmented society, and a dependent status on foreign aid.
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad, are Islamist militant groups that control Gaza and oppose Israel's existence.
- Fatah, which is a secular nationalist party that dominates the Palestinian Authority and recognizes Israel.
- Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist group based in Lebanon that supports Palestine and fights against Israel.
- Iran is an Islamic republic that backs Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and other anti-Israel forces in the region.
- Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states have diplomatic relations with Israel but also support Palestinian rights.
- Turkey, which is a Muslim-majority country that has strained ties with Israel but also mediates between Israel and Hamas.
- Russia and China, are major powers that have economic and strategic interests in the region and seek to balance US influence.
- United States, which is a superpower that provides military and diplomatic support to Israel but also engages in peace efforts with Palestine.
- European Union, which is a bloc of countries that promotes human rights and international law in the conflict.
- United Nations (UN), is an intergovernmental organization that issues resolutions and provides humanitarian assistance in the conflict.
Other international organizations such as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), Arab League (League of Arab States), AU (African Union), etc.; non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), etc and some Media outlets. These are the main organizations that are actors in the war between Israel and Palestine.
Will War Ever End?
Will war ever end? This is a profound and difficult question that has been asked by many people throughout history. There is no definitive answer, but there are some perspectives and possibilities that can help us think about this question and hope for a more peaceful future.
One perspective is to look at the history of peace movements, which are the people and organizations that have worked for peace throughout history. Peace movements have emerged from various sources, such as religious communities, social justice movements, women's groups, environmentalists, and human rights activists. They have advocated for nonviolence, disarmament, democracy, human dignity, and cooperation among nations. They have also resisted war, oppression, injustice, and violence in various forms. Some examples of peace movements are the Peace of God in the Middle Ages, the Quakers and Amish in the 16th century, the anti-slavery and anti-colonial movements in the 18th and 19th centuries, the pacifist and internationalist movements in the 20th century, and the anti-nuclear and anti-war movements in the 21st century.
Another perspective is to look at the science of peace, which is the research and evidence that support the possibility of ending war. Science can help us understand the causes and consequences of war, as well as the factors and conditions that promote or prevent peace. Science can also provide us with tools and methods to measure, monitor, and evaluate peace and conflict. Some examples of scientific fields that contribute to peace are psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, history, biology, neuroscience, and mathematics. Some examples of scientific concepts and theories that relate to peace are human needs theory, conflict transformation theory, nonviolent communication theory, game theory, complexity theory, evolutionary theory, and positive psychology.
A third perspective is to look at education for peace, which is the role of schools, media, culture, and religion in fostering a peaceful mindset. Education for peace is the process of acquiring values, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors that will help people live in harmony with themselves, others, and the natural environment. Education for peace can also inform people about the consequences of war and social injustice, as well as the value of peaceful and just social structures. Education for peace can take place in formal settings such as schools and universities, or informal settings such as families and communities. Some examples of education for peace are peace education programs, human rights education programs, intercultural dialogue programs, global citizenship education programs, environmental education programs, media literacy programs, and spiritual education programs.
These perspectives are not exhaustive or mutually exclusive, but they offer some ways to approach the question of whether war will ever end. They also suggest some ways to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on our collective will and action to create a culture of peace and nonviolence in ourselves and our world.
Conclusion:
Look, war has always been part of human life. For thousands of years, we've fought each other violently over land, resources, power - you name it. It's easy to think that's just how we are - aggressive, petty, territorial beings destined to battle it out forever.
But giving in to that pessimism is a cop-out, an excuse not to strive for something better. Just because we've always had war doesn't mean we always have to. I firmly believe peace is possible, even if it's hard-won.
Throughout history, inspiring activists and movements have shown another way is possible. Religions have developed ethical codes trying to constrain violence. People like Gandhi and MLK resisted oppression through nonviolence. Groups like the Quakers refused to fight in wars. And sometimes, even bitter enemies have managed to reconcile, like when Nelson Mandela forgave his jailers.
Are these peace efforts naive? Maybe. But courage and idealism move the human story forward, not cynical resignation. Every life saved from war's carnage, every refugee sheltered, every child spared from trauma - even small gains matter. We build peace through countless acts of compassion, justice, and moral courage.
Sure, human nature has its dark side. But it also has incredible potential for good. Working towards the ideals of peace and justice gives meaning and purpose in an imperfect world. It's a struggle that calls on our best selves.
So no more excuses. No more acceptance of violence as inevitable. There's too much at stake today with nuclear weapons and a warming planet. Bold, global cooperation is needed to break the cycle of war. It won't be easy or quick. But persevering for peace is the mission humanity must embrace now. Are you with me?
