Chapter 15 War Politics By Other Means Learning Objectives

Chapter15war Politics By Other Meanslearning Objectives

Identify and discuss three theories on the causes of war (Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke). Contrast World Wars I and II with previous wars in history. Explain how and why war has fundamentally changed since World War II. Identify the different types of war most relevant in world politics now, and explain one or two in detail. Expand on the “just war” theory. Explain the role of ethics and morality in the conduct of modern warfare. Make a case for or against the relevance of international treaties on rules and limits in war.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

War remains a central and persistent feature of international politics, often driven by complex theories and evolving circumstances that shape its causes, conduct, and consequences. Among the foundational theories explaining why war occurs, the perspectives of Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke are particularly influential. Hobbes viewed war as an inherent outcome of human nature rooted in self-interest and the perpetual state of conflict inherent in the state of nature. Rousseau, contrastingly, believed that war emerged from societal corruption and inequality, suggesting that human beings are noble in their natural state but are corrupted by civilization. Locke, meanwhile, espoused that war results from violations of natural rights or the social contract, emphasizing the importance of government authority in preventing conflict. These theories collectively underscore that war is both a consequence of inherent human traits and societal structures.

When comparing the World Wars I and II with earlier conflicts, a marked transformation in the scale, technology, and geopolitical significance of war becomes evident. World War I, often called the "war to end all wars," introduced mechanized warfare, trench warfare, and unprecedented destruction, leading to millions of deaths. World War II amplified this devastation, with advancements in nuclear weapons, blitzkrieg tactics, and global power realignments, culminating in the loss of tens of millions of lives and the beginning of the nuclear age. These wars differed sharply from earlier conflicts, which were generally localized, time-brief, and involved limited technological means, reflecting a shift towards total warfare where entire societies and economies were mobilized.

Since the conclusion of World War II, warfare has undergone fundamental change in scope and nature. The advent of technological innovations, including cyber warfare, drones, and precision-guided munitions, has introduced new dimensions of conflict that transcend traditional battlefield confrontations. Additionally, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the specter of nuclear proliferation have redefined strategic stability and deterrence. Modern conflicts often involve non-state actors like terrorist groups, insurgencies, and guerrillas operating within asymmetric warfare contexts, which challenge state-centric security paradigms. As a result, war today encompasses low-intensity conflicts, cyber-attacks, and hybrid warfare that blend conventional and unconventional methods.

In today's world, various types of war are especially relevant, including interstate war, civil war, guerrilla warfare, and low-intensity conflicts. Interstate wars involve conflicts between sovereign states with territorial or political disputes, such as the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict. Civil wars, like the Syrian civil war, involve internal factions vying for control or independence, often resulting in prolonged instability. Guerrilla warfare, characterized by small, mobile groups attacking superior forces—like Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan—remains a common tactic in asymmetric conflicts. Low-intensity conflicts involve state-sponsored violence within or across borders, such as proxy wars or sponsored insurgencies, often fueled by foreign financial or military support.

The concept of a “just war” provides moral and ethical guidelines for the conduct of warfare, emphasizing principles such as just cause, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants. Originating from Christian theology and articulated by philosophers such as Aquinas, the just war theory seeks to ensure that war is fought for morally permissible reasons and in a manner that minimizes unnecessary suffering. Modern debates focus on ethical dilemmas arising from new technologies like drone strikes, which raise questions about targeted killing and civilian casualties. The application of ethics and morality in war remains vital as international law and conventions, including the Geneva Conventions, attempt to regulate conduct and protect human rights amid conflict.

International treaties and agreements play a critical role in establishing rules and limits in warfare, like the Geneva Conventions, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Arms Trade Treaty. While these treaties aim to constrain the conduct of war and prevent atrocities, enforcement remains inconsistent and often dependent on national interests. Critics argue that when powerful states unilaterally disregard these conventions, the effectiveness of international law diminishes, compromising efforts to uphold human rights and diminish suffering. Nonetheless, treaties serve as vital normative frameworks and diplomatic tools for reducing the brutality of war and fostering international cooperation.

In conclusion, the causes and conduct of war are deeply rooted in classical and contemporary theories, reflecting human nature, societal structures, and technological developments. The evolution of warfare from the World Wars to the present demonstrates a shift toward more complex, asymmetric, and technologically driven conflicts. Moral and ethical considerations, along with international legal frameworks, remain essential to moderating warfare’s brutality and ensuring its justification aligns with humanitarian principles. While war may be an inherent aspect of international politics, ongoing efforts to understand its causes, regulate its conduct, and mitigate its impacts are crucial for global stability and human security.

References

• Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2017). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford University Press.
• Franklin, J. C. (2018). War, Peace, and International Relations. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan. Edited by Richard Tuck. Cambridge University Press, 1996.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge University Press.
• Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The Social Contract.
• Williams, P. D. (2017). The Moral Philosophy of War. Edinburgh University Press.
• Walzer, M. (2006). Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations. Basic Books.
• United Nations. (1949). Geneva Conventions. International Committee of the Red Cross.
• Snyder, J. (2017). Identity and Security in the 21st Century. Cornell University Press.
• Tickner, J. A. (Ed.). (2012). Gender in International Relations: Feminist Perspectives on Achieving Global Security. Columbia University Press.