Why We Fight Wars? Can a Culture of Peace Revolution Work Towards Their End?

IN FOCUS, 26 Aug 2024

Vijay Mehta – TRANSCEND Media Service

24 Aug 2024 – Is war a necessary evil or an organized crime to kill our own human species? Either way, war kills people, bringing untold suffering and misery. It is also a waste of vital resources that could be utilized for healthcare, education, jobs, and boosting the growth of the economy. If this latter argument is valid, replacing war with a culture of peace becomes a logical solution. Today, I invite you to explore why we fight wars and whether a culture of peace revolution can work towards its eradication.

“We have got three years to prepare for war,” warns UK Army Chief General Sir Robbie Walker in his first speech as Chief of the General Staff. We need to establish credible land force that would deter ammunitions from heading into battle with the West. He further said, we need three years to prepare for war against Axis of Evil as Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, who increasingly work together.

Throughout history, humanity has been entangled in conflicts. The reasons for war are complex and multifaceted, often involving a mix of political, economic, social, and psychological factors. Nations have fought over territory, resources, ideological differences, and power. Whatever the reason, war is an archaic and barbaric practice that modern society should outgrow.

The impact of wars is devastating. On a human level, war causes immense loss of life, inflicts physical and psychological trauma, displaces populations, and tears apart families. Economically, war disrupts markets, destroys infrastructure, and drains national resources. Socially, it fosters hatred, divides communities, and perpetuates cycles of violence. Culturally, it erases histories, devastates heritages, and diminishes the collective human spirit. Given these far-reaching consequences, it is imperative to ask why we have made war a permanent fixture in our lives.

One could argue that war stems from our most primal instincts—the drive to compete for resources and to dominate others. The idea that war is in our genes and violence and war is a part of us is refuted by scientists in their statement on violence and war in Seville. The Seville Statement on Violence is a statement on violence that was adopted by an international meeting of scientists, convened by the Spanish National Commission for UNESCO, in Seville, Spain, on 16 May 1986. It was subsequently adopted by UNESCO at the twenty-fifth session of the General Conference on 16 November 1989. The statement, then known as a ‘Statement on Violence’, was designed to refute “the notion that organized human violence is biologically determined”

The statement says, “It is scientifically incorrect to say that we have inherited a tendency to make war from our animal ancestors.” “It is scientifically incorrect to say that war or any other violent behaviour is genetically programmed into our human nature.”

However, as we have evolved socially and intellectually, we have developed systems of governance, diplomacy, and international cooperation designed to manage conflicts without resorting to violence. The establishment of the United Nations, the creation of international laws and treaties, and the development of conflict resolution techniques all demonstrate that we possess the tools to mitigate and prevent wars.

Yet, despite these advancements, wars continue to break out. The persistence of war suggests that the root causes are deeply ingrained in our societies. Factors such as nationalism, religious extremism, economic inequality, and political corruption fuel conflicts. Moreover, the arms industry, which profits immensely from warfare, has a vested interest in perpetuating conflict. This industry wields significant influence over political decisions, making the dismantling of war mechanisms even more challenging.

To move towards a world where wars are obsolete, we must address these root causes. This is where the concept of a culture of peace comes into play. A culture of peace is an approach that seeks to transform societies by promoting values, attitudes, and behaviours that foster harmony, justice, and non-violence. It involves education, dialogue, and the active participation of all members of society in the pursuit of peace.

Education is a cornerstone of a culture of peace. By teaching the values of empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect from a young age, we can cultivate generations that view conflict resolution through dialogue rather than aggression. Schools and universities play a crucial role in this by integrating peace education into their curricula. This involves not only teaching about the horrors of war but also about the benefits of peace, the importance of human rights, and the methods of non-violent conflict resolution.

Dialogue is another vital component. Open and honest communication between conflicting parties can prevent misunderstandings and build trust. This is true not only on a personal level but also on a national and international scale. Diplomatic efforts must be prioritized, with leaders willing to engage in negotiations and compromise. International organizations can facilitate these dialogues, providing neutral grounds for discussions and mediations.

Active participation of all members of society is essential in building a culture of peace. This includes governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. Governments must prioritize peace in their policies, ensuring that resources are allocated towards social development rather than military expenditures. Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in advocating for peace, educating the public, and holding leaders accountable. Communities must foster inclusivity and address grievances that could lead to conflict. Individuals, too, have a role to play by promoting peace in their daily lives, standing up against injustice, and supporting peaceful initiatives.

Moreover, economic justice is integral to a culture of peace. Many conflicts arise from economic disparities and the struggle for resources. By addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services, we can reduce the conditions that lead to war. Equitable economic policies, fair trade practices, and sustainable development are crucial in this regard. When people’s basic needs are met, they are less likely to resort to violence.

In addition, disarmament is a critical step towards ending wars. The arms race and the proliferation of weapons contribute to a climate of fear and distrust. International agreements to abolish arms production and trade can reduce the likelihood of conflict. Countries must work together to promote disarmament and ensure that military budgets are redirected towards social development.

It is also important to address the cultural aspects that glorify war. Media, literature, and entertainment often romanticize conflict, portraying it as a noble endeavour. Changing this narrative is crucial. Media should promote stories of peace, reconciliation, and cooperation. Celebrating peacemakers and highlighting successful non-violent movements can inspire others to follow suit. Art, literature, and film have the power to shape public perception and can be powerful tools in promoting a culture of peace.

Furthermore, fostering international cooperation is essential. Global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism require collaborative efforts. By working together on these issues, countries can build trust and solidarity, reducing the likelihood of conflicts. International organizations, such as the United Nations, play a vital role in coordinating these efforts and providing platforms for dialogue and cooperation.

The vision of a world without war is not idealistic and it is attainable. Throughout the history of the world, there ha been more periods of peace than war, which have been instrumental in the advancement of civilisation, medicine, science and technology. But the books on military history highlight a world which moves from one war to another with small periods of peace.

We have seen examples of successful peace movements and non-violent resistance. The civil rights movement in the United States, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., used non-violent methods to achieve significant social change. The peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa, guided by Nelson Mandela and other leaders, is another testament to the power of non-violence. Gandhi with the help of like-minded Indians, yearning for Indian Independence, together led a vast non-violent movement, which after many struggles and failures, achieved Indian Independence from the most powerful British Empire. These examples show that with determination, courage, and the right strategies, a culture of peace can prevail. By powerful mass campaigning and creating a momentum, we can challenge the opposition of the war industry and can shift the political landscape from war to peace.

However, achieving this requires a collective effort. It demands a shift in mindset from seeing war as an inevitable part of human existence to viewing it as a problem that can be solved. It requires leaders who are committed to peace, willing to take bold steps towards disarmament, and prioritizing diplomacy over aggression. It necessitates the involvement of civil society, communities, and individuals, all working together to build a more just and peaceful world.

In conclusion, the answer of why we fight wars is to change our values, attitudes and social structures. Yet, despite the challenges, the possibility of ending wars and replacing them with a culture of peace is within our grasp. By addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting education, fostering dialogue, ensuring economic justice, disarming, changing cultural narratives, and enhancing international cooperation, we can move towards a future where wars are a relic of the past. Let us commit to this vision, working together to create a world where peace is not just a dream but a reality.

Let me finish by a quotation from Gandhi who said, “I believe all war to be wholly wrong. War itself is a wrong act, how can it be worthy of moral support or blessing?”

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Vijay Mehta is an author and peace activist. He is chair of Uniting for Peace, founding trustee of Fortune Forum charity, and board member of GAMIP-Global Alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures for Peace. His books include: The Economics of Killing (Pluto Press, 2012); Peace Beyond Borders (New Internationalist, 2016; and the most recent How Not To Go To War (New Internationalist, 2019) where he proposes that in countries and communities, in governments, private institutions and media, Peace Departments and Peace Centres be established to report on and promote peace.

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 26 Aug 2024.

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