What are the leading causes of international war and how can these be avoided?
International war can be described as an armed conflict between two or more groups, regardless of its reason or intensity. It has become increasingly destructive as technology has advanced. Recent research suggests some leading causes of international war are economic gain, territorial gain, human nature, and religious differences. Experts recommend methods to avoid these causes include peaceful conflict resolution (diplomacy) and understanding human behaviour through psychoanalysis techniques.
One leading cause of international war is economic gain, where one group seeks to take control of the resources and wealth of another. During earlier periods, cattle and precious materials like gold and silver were disputed. Today, wars for economic reasons are centred around acquiring valuable resources like oil. For instance, the Opium Wars between the Qing Dynasty and the British emerged because the trade in Chinese goods such as tea and silks was extremely lucrative for British merchants. This significantly weakened the Qing government. Another related cause of international war is territorial gain. When one nation claims sovereignty over an area governed by another, they proceed to occupy it and expel natives from their homeland. This results in rebellions and uprisings, which brings about international war. This increase in land and the subsequent resources gained correlates to the power of a state, thus increasing its security. An example is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; a war centred around land ownership. This arose because both parties believe the land is rightfully their own.
Further, one can argue the underlying behavioural traits and feelings of humans inevitably cause international war.Neorealist Sir Norman Angell contended that since man is a “fighting animal, emotional, passionate, illogical”, rationality is blighted by the inherent imperfections of human nature. Consequently, war is a result. Thomas Hobbes argues man will “essentially pursue his own interests and this will lead to conflict.” Hence, mankind’s constant desire for resources and power fuel international war, making war a by-product of man’s envy, selfishness, and self-preservation.
Another major reason driving international war is religion. Religious disputes occur when differing ideologies crave more wealth and power. This is because both groups doggedly believe their religion is the only divine one. So, they attack to counter threats from other religions and exert their superiority. A notable example is the First Crusade, whereby the Pope ordered the Christians to fight the Muslim Seljuk Turks, who took control of the Holy lands. The renowned historian Ibn al-Athir recorded that in the plight of Jerusalem, “a massacre of the city's Muslim inhabitants ensued, causing the streets to literally run with blood.”
One way in which causes of international war may be avoided is to incorporate mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution, such as arbitration and adjudication, through international courts. For example, successful resolution of border disputes foster democratisation and contribute to the long- term stability of shared boundaries. Moreover, some contend a way to effectively target the original source of war is to recognise and understand human nature and the needs driving humans to create war through psychological means like free association.
To conclude, despite economic greed, territorial gain and religious superiority being leading causes of international war, ultimately humanity as a whole will fail to function and thrive if political leaders fail to control their innate desire for power and wealth. Until individuals can be assured of their safety and security, international wars may continue to ensue.