War: An Unnecessary Event for a United Mankind
Introduction
There is a common saying that war is never good, peace is never bad. But if we look back into the history of mankind, it will be cleared that there have been wars since prehistoric ages. Although attempts have been made to abolish it, success has not been achieved so far. Thus, eternal peace seems to be ’ beyond our reach. There are people who justify wars and say that it is necessary because it is the law of nature. They highlight their point by placing Charles Darwin at their front. It was he who established the principle of survival of the fittest. He told that there is a constant struggle for survival in all nature, both animate and inanimate. In this struggle only those will succeed who are the fittest. Thus, war is held necessary without which there will be no development of humanity.
War has long been a part of human history, shaping nations, cultures, and ideologies. It has been fought for various reasons—power, resources, revenge, and even ideological superiority. However, in a world that is rapidly advancing in communication, technology, and diplomacy, war remains an unnecessary event, contradicting the principles of unity, progress, and human dignity. It is an outdated method of conflict resolution that leads to immense human suffering, economic devastation, and environmental degradation. For a united mankind, war is not just avoidable; it is a detrimental relic of the past that must be eradicated for the sake of global harmony and sustainable development.
There are different causes of war and factors leading to war, which are like these
Territorial Disputes
- Nations or groups often go to war over land and borders.
- Conflicts arise due to historical claims, expansionist policies, or strategic interests.
- Examples: World War II (Germany’s expansion), Indo-Pak wars over Kashmir.
Political and Ideological Conflicts
- Differences in governance (democracy vs. dictatorship, capitalism vs. communism) often lead to wars.
- Revolutions and civil wars occur when people seek political change.
- Example: Cold War tensions led to proxy wars like the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Religious and Ethnic Differences
- Religious intolerance and sectarian divisions have fueled many wars.
- Ethnic conflicts arise when groups fight for autonomy or dominance.
- Examples: Crusades, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Rwandan Genocide.
Economic Interests
- Nations fight over natural resources like oil, minerals, and water.
- Economic sanctions and trade disputes can escalate into military conflicts.
- Example: Gulf War (Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait for oil).
Nationalism and Extremism
- Extreme patriotism can lead to aggressive expansionist policies.
- Leaders may use nationalist sentiments to justify war.
- Example: Nazi Germany’s militarization before World War II.
Revenge and Retaliation
- Some wars start as a response to past attacks or injustices.
- Revenge can fuel prolonged conflicts between nations or groups.
- Example: World War I (assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand).
Balance of Power
- Nations engage in wars to maintain or shift the global balance of power.
- Powerful countries intervene to prevent rivals from gaining dominance.
- Example: Napoleonic Wars, Cold War proxy battles.
Defense and Security
- Preemptive strikes occur when a nation fears an imminent attack.
- Alliances can force countries into war (e.g., NATO, Warsaw Pact).
- Example: U.S. invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11.
Civil Wars and Internal Conflicts
- Internal struggles for power lead to violent revolutions and rebellions.
- Often caused by government oppression, inequality, or separatist movements.
- Example: Syrian Civil War, American Civil War.
Misunderstandings and Diplomatic Failures
- Poor communication and failed negotiations can lead to war.
- Treaties and agreements may be broken, leading to conflicts.
- Example: The outbreak of World War I due to alliances and miscalculations.
Wars arise due to a mix of political, economic, religious, and social factors. Understanding these reasons can help in conflict prevention and peaceful resolutions.
AFTHRMATH, FALLOUT AND REPERCUSSIONS OF WAR
The Cost of War: Human Suffering and Economic Burden
The most evident and tragic consequence of war is human suffering. Millions of people, including civilians and soldiers, lose their lives in armed conflicts. Families are torn apart, children are orphaned, and generations are lost to senseless violence. The psychological impact of war is equally devastating, leaving individuals and societies with deep scars of trauma, fear, and hatred.
Beyond the direct loss of life, war brings widespread displacement. Refugee crises have become a tragic hallmark of modern conflicts, with millions forced to flee their homes in search of safety. These displaced populations suffer from poverty, lack of access to basic services, and social alienation. The global economy also bears the brunt of war. Nations invest billions in military expenditures instead of focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The economic burden of war extends beyond the battlefield, causing inflation, loss of trade opportunities, and a decrease in foreign investments.
The Destruction of Culture and Civilization
War does not only affect individuals; it also erases cultural heritage and historical legacies. Throughout history, countless monuments, manuscripts, and artifacts have been destroyed due to military conflicts. From the burning of the Library of Alexandria to the destruction of Syrian heritage sites, war has repeatedly erased irreplaceable treasures of human civilization.
Additionally, wars disrupt education and intellectual progress. Schools and universities are destroyed, scholars are forced into exile, and scientific advancements are hindered. Nations that could have contributed to global progress remain trapped in cycles of conflict and poverty. A united mankind should prioritize the preservation of culture and intellectual growth rather than the annihilation of it.
Environmental Consequences of War
Modern warfare does not only impact human lives and economies but also wreaks havoc on the environment. Explosions, bombings, and nuclear warfare cause long-term damage to ecosystems, soil, and water sources. Chemical weapons and nuclear tests leave radiation and pollution that affect generations to come.
Wars also contribute to deforestation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. In times of war, environmental concerns take a backseat, leading to unregulated exploitation of resources. Furthermore, the destruction of infrastructure leads to severe pollution, making affected areas uninhabitable. If humanity is to work towards a sustainable future, war must be eliminated as an option, for it contradicts the very principles of environmental conservation and climate action.
The Role of Diplomacy and Cooperation
The world today has access to advanced diplomatic tools that make war unnecessary. International organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Court of Justice (ICJ) exist to mediate disputes and ensure global peace. Diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation provide alternatives to war, preventing loss of life and resources.
Countries that once fought bitter wars, such as France and Germany, now coexist peacefully within the European Union (EU), proving that economic and political cooperation is a viable alternative to armed conflict. Similarly, peaceful revolutions and movements, such as Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance against British rule, have shown that conflicts can be resolved without resorting to bloodshed.
The Psychological and Ethical Perspective
From an ethical standpoint, war is an insult to human dignity. It legitimizes violence, suffering, and destruction as means to achieve political or economic goals. A truly united mankind must embrace values of empathy, understanding, and coexistence rather than hostility and aggression.
Psychologically, war breeds generational trauma. Countries that have experienced prolonged conflicts often struggle with post-war social issues, such as mental health crises, crime, and political instability. The wounds of war do not heal easily; they linger for decades, affecting future generations. Instead of fostering a cycle of revenge and hatred, societies should work towards reconciliation, mutual respect, and collective progress.
Technological Advancements and the Need for Peace
Technology has bridged distances, making the world more interconnected than ever before. Globalization has created economic interdependence among nations, reducing the incentives for war. Today, conflicts between major powers can have devastating global consequences, making peaceful cooperation the only logical path forward.
Moreover, technological advancements in artificial intelligence, space exploration, and medical sciences show that human ingenuity is best used for constructive purposes rather than destruction. If the same resources used for war were redirected toward scientific and humanitarian advancements, the world would witness unprecedented progress.
“A CENTURY OF CONFLICT:- The History of Wars in the Last 100 Years”
War has been an unfortunate part of human civilization, shaping nations and altering the course of history. Over the last century, the world has witnessed numerous conflicts, each leaving behind a legacy of destruction, suffering, and lessons for future generations. From global wars to regional conflicts, the past 100 years have been marked by struggles for power, freedom, and survival.
1. World War I (1914–1918): The War to End All Wars
Over the past century, numerous wars have profoundly impacted nations and societies worldwide. Below is a chronological overview of significant conflicts from 1925 to the present, highlighting their causes, key events, and destructive consequences:
1. Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945):
- Overview: A conflict between China and Japan preceding and merging into World War II.
- Destruction: Resulted in extensive civilian casualties, with millions of deaths, and widespread devastation of Chinese cities and infrastructure.
2. World War II (1939–1945):
- Overview: A global war involving most of the world’s nations, forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
- Destruction: The deadliest conflict in human history, causing an estimated 70–85 million fatalities, massive destruction of cities, and significant economic turmoil.
3. Korean War (1950–1953):
- Overview: A war between North Korea (with support from China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (supported by United Nations forces, primarily the USA).
- Destruction: Led to approximately 2.5 million deaths and widespread devastation of the Korean Peninsula’s infrastructure.
4. Vietnam War (1955–1975):
- Overview: A prolonged conflict between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States.
- Destruction: Caused over 1 million deaths, extensive destruction of Vietnamese landscapes due to bombings and chemical defoliants like Agent Orange, leading to long-term health issues and environmental damage.
5. Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970):
- Overview: Also known as the Biafran War, it was a conflict caused by the attempted secession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra.
- Destruction: Resulted in an estimated 1–3 million deaths, primarily from starvation, and significant infrastructural damage.
6. Yom Kippur War (1973):
- Overview: A war fought by a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel.
- Destruction: Led to significant military and civilian casualties on both sides and substantial damage to military equipment and infrastructure.
7. Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989):
- Overview: A conflict wherein insurgent groups (the Mujahideen) fought against the Soviet Army and the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
- Destruction: Resulted in the deaths of approximately 1 million civilians, displacement of millions, and extensive destruction of Afghanistan’s infrastructure.
8. Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988):
- Overview: A prolonged armed conflict between Iran and Iraq.
- Destruction: Caused around 500,000 to 1 million deaths, widespread infrastructural damage, and economic losses for both countries.
9. Falklands War (1982):
- Overview: A ten-week war between Argentina and the United Kingdom over two British dependent territories in the South Atlantic.
- Destruction: Led to the loss of 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, with several ships and aircraft destroyed.
10. Gulf War (1990–1991):
- Overview: Triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, leading to a coalition force led by the United States intervening.
- Destruction: Resulted in significant military casualties, extensive environmental damage due to oil spills and fires, and destruction of infrastructure in Kuwait and Iraq.
11. Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001):
- Overview: A series of conflicts following the breakup of Yugoslavia, involving multiple ethnic groups.
- Destruction: Led to approximately 140,000 deaths, widespread ethnic cleansing, and extensive destruction of cities and cultural heritage sites.
12. Second Congo War (1998–2003):
- Overview: Also known as the Great War of Africa, involving multiple African nations.
- Destruction: Resulted in an estimated 5.4 million deaths, primarily from disease and starvation, and severe damage to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s infrastructure and environment.
13. War in Afghanistan (2001–2021):
- Overview: Initiated by the United States in response to the September 11 attacks, targeting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
- Destruction: Caused over 176,000 deaths, widespread displacement, and significant destruction of Afghanistan’s infrastructure.
14. Iraq War (2003–2011):
- Overview: A conflict that began with the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, aiming to dismantle weapons of mass destruction.
- Destruction: Resulted in over 200,000 civilian deaths, extensive infrastructural damage, and long-term political instability.
15. Syrian Civil War (2011–present):
- Overview: An ongoing multi-sided conflict involving the Syrian government, opposition forces, and various international actors.
- Destruction: Has led to over 500,000 deaths, massive displacement of populations, and widespread destruction of cities and cultural heritage sites.
16. Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present):
- Overview: Began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated in 2022 with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Destruction: Resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, extensive destruction of infrastructure, and significant environmental damage, including pollution and forest devastation.
17. Yemeni Civil War (2014–present):
- Overview: The conflict began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana’a, forcing President Hadi to flee. In 2015, a Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore the government, escalating the war into a regional proxy conflict. The war involves multiple factions, including separatists and extremist groups, making peace efforts challenging.
- Destruction: The war has led to over 150,000 deaths, including thousands of civilians. Millions have been displaced, and Yemen faces one of the worst humanitarian crises, with famine, disease outbreaks, and a collapsed healthcare system. Cities and infrastructure have been devastated, and blockades have worsened food and medical shortages.
The Possibility of a United Mankind
- In a world where globalization connects economies and cultures, war is an outdated and unnecessary event. Nations can resolve conflicts through diplomacy, international law, and cooperation. Institutions like the United Nations promote dialogue over destruction. Education, tolerance, and economic partnerships can replace war as tools for global progress.
An individual may not have the power to stop a war alone, but collective efforts of people can create a strong movement for peace. Here’s what a person can do:
1. Advocate for Peace
- Raise Awareness: Educate others about the impact of war and the importance of peace.
- Join Peace Movements: Support organizations that promote diplomacy and non-violence.
- Speak Out: Use social media, petitions, and protests to demand peace from leaders.
2. Promote Dialogue & Understanding
- Encourage Conversations: Talk to people from different backgrounds to break stereotypes.
- Support Conflict Resolution Programs: Engage in or donate to organizations that mediate conflicts.
- Teach Tolerance: Educate others about cultural, religious, and national diversity.
3. Hold Leaders Accountable
- Vote for Peace-Oriented Leaders: Support politicians who prioritize diplomacy over war.
- Pressure Governments: Write letters, sign petitions, or participate in peaceful protests.
- Oppose War Funding: Advocate against military aggression and excessive defense spending.
4. Help War Victims
- Donate to Relief Organizations: Support groups providing aid to refugees and war-affected communities.
- Volunteer: Assist local refugee centers or humanitarian projects.
- Sponsor Education: Help war-affected children get access to learning opportunities.
5. Live by the Principles of Peace
- Reject Violence: Avoid supporting aggression in daily life, whether in speech, actions, or entertainment.
- Promote Kindness & Unity: Be an example of peace in your family, workplace, and community.
- Support Ethical Businesses: Avoid companies that profit from war or exploit conflict zones.
A single person may not stop a war overnight, but when many individuals work together, they can influence policies, spread peace, and create a world where war becomes less likely.
Conclusion
War is an unnecessary event for a united mankind, serving only as a barrier to peace, progress, and sustainability. It brings suffering, economic decline, environmental destruction, and cultural loss, all of which are avoidable through diplomacy, cooperation, and ethical governance. In an era where unity and collaboration are more vital than ever, war has no place in a civilized society. The future of humanity depends on our ability to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and embrace the shared vision of a harmonious world.
It is time for nations to invest in education, healthcare, technology, and environmental preservation instead of military conflicts. Only by rejecting war and fostering unity can mankind truly achieve its potential and create a world where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality.
War serves no purpose in a united mankind. The resources spent on violence should be directed toward building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future. Through unity, dialogue, and mutual respect, humanity can eliminate war and work toward a world where cooperation triumphs over conflict.
Noordin Panjwani
(Principal)