Why Do Humans Resort to War?

Wars have been part of human history since ancient times, with tribes and empires engaging in conflicts for survival, territorial expansion, and self-defense. However, war has never been the only option; some leaders and societies have chosen peace instead of conflict, avoiding the destruction that war brings. But why do some people choose war while others seek peace?

1. Self-Defense and Fear of Threats

One of the primary reasons nations and groups go to war is self-defense. When a country feels threatened by an external force, it may resort to war as a means of protecting its land and people. For example, during World War II, European nations had no choice but to resist Nazi expansion once Hitler began invading other countries.

In modern times, this principle can be seen in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where both sides believe they are defending their rights and territories. Palestinians fight for liberation from Israeli occupation, while Israel claims to need military action for national security, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

2. Economic Greed and Expansionism

Not all wars are defensive; some are driven by economic greed. During the 19th and 20th centuries, European powers colonized many African and Asian countries to exploit their natural resources, such as gold, oil, and diamonds.

Even in modern times, economic interests continue to influence conflicts. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, for example, was officially justified by the search for weapons of mass destruction, but many believe that controlling Iraq’s oil reserves was a major motivation for the war.

3. Ethnic and Religious Conflicts

Ethnic and religious tensions have historically been major causes of war. In many cases, religion or ethnicity is used as a political tool to justify violence. The Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s are a clear example, where ethnic tensions between Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians led to one of the most devastating conflicts in Europe after World War II.

While religion has often been used to justify wars, there have also been religious leaders who promoted peace instead of violence. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, used nonviolent resistance to lead India to independence from British rule.

4. Revenge and the Cycle of Violence

Many wars start as a response to past grievances, creating a cycle of violence that lasts for generations. A clear example of this is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where each new generation grows up in an environment of conflict, making it difficult to break the cycle.

However, some nations have managed to move past revenge and embrace peace. In South Africa, after decades of apartheid, Nelson Mandela chose reconciliation instead of violence, preventing a potentially devastating civil war.

5. When Do People Choose Peace?

Despite the prevalence of war, there have been moments in history where nations have chosen peace over conflict.

The Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty (1979): After multiple wars, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, with U.S. mediation, signed a peace treaty. Despite controversy, the treaty ended decades of military conflict between the two countries.

India’s Independence from Britain: Instead of resorting to armed struggle, Gandhi led a nonviolent resistance movement, which resulted in India’s independence without a full-scale war.

The Reunification of Germany (1990): After decades of division between East and West Germany during the Cold War, the country was peacefully reunited without military conflict.

6. Can the Future Be More Peaceful?

Although wars continue, efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully are increasing. International organizations like the United Nations work to mediate disputes and prevent wars, and global public opinion is more aware of the devastating consequences of armed conflict.

However, achieving lasting peace requires fundamental changes in how leaders and politicians approach conflicts, as well as educating societies about the importance of dialogue over violence. Wars may have been part of human history, but they are not inevitable—better solutions always exist.