Month: April 2021

Since the history of civilization, various wars have been fought between states and nations. War can be defined as an intense armed conflict between states, governments and societies. There are some who argue that fear is the root cause of war as people fear death, destruction and even loss of power. However, it can be contended that fear is not the only root of war as there are other causes which can lead to warlike honour, aggression and self-interest.

Supporters of the idea suggest that fear is the root cause of the war because people are scared of oppression and fear the unknown. They argue that in many instances people retaliate in the form of war because they believe that it is the only way to cope with their fear. The fear of domination leads people to believe that the threats that endanger them can be alleviated by using violence. For example, the ethnic civil war in Nigeria and Sudan were the result of fearful communal groups who saw violence as a practical solution to political oppression. Similarly, it can be said that the Six-Day war was a result of fear that Jews were creating societies in countries like Egypt and Jordan. Fear triggered by different ideologies and oppression is the main cause of why war occurs in the first place. The fear of a foreign power gaining control and the ruling has led many countries to indulge in war as a means of retaliation. Hence, it is justified to believe that fear is the primary motivation behind the war.

Fear is the cornerstone on which all military tactics rely. The military strategies of all countries involve tactics which incite fear in the minds of enemies. An example of this can be the war in Afghanistan, the U.S.-led invasion left people on all sides of Afghanistan’s conflict-afflicted with fear. Similarly, in Syria, the tyrannical regime of Assad responded to peaceful protests with severe repression. The regime used artillery power, airstrikes and chemical weapons to instil fear in the minds of civilians. In such instances, it becomes clear that fear strategies are often used to distort the opponent’s decision-making or break the opponent’s will. In recent times too, there have been several instances that prove that the concept of war is based on fear. Instances of this can be seen in the US where President Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ Iran strategy stokes war fears and the Pre-emptive strikes by India in Balakot which led to the speculation of war between India and Pakistan that share a strained relationship. Thus, fear not only causes war but also incites situations that can lead to war.

However, the war in today’s time stems from a multitude of issues. Thus, it would be myopic to blame fear as the root cause of war. Though fear can be one of the root causes of war, there are also other issues at play that can lead to war.  Pride ad honour of the country’s leader can also lead to wars. For example, Hitler’s grandiose thinking and belief that he was a world-historical figure of destiny led to world war I and world war II.  The pride in racial identity led to the civil wars in North America where both black and white groups fought to defend their own visions of the just cause. The war led to the freedom of black people who were enslaved and exploited. Furthermore, many wars have been fought for noble causes like the Iraq war which was against the tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein. Thus, fear is not always the root of war but war stemming from pride and nobility can lead to fear in the minds of many.

Fear can be a motivator to create peace. Many wars have led to the loss of lives and can have detrimental effects on society. For example, World War I and World War II led to the deaths and casualties of millions. The horrific visions of the war led to the formation of the United Nations, an international peacekeeping organization and a forum for resolving conflicts between nations. The presence of the UN has also led to the prevention of another World war that can prove catastrophic. Similarly, the news of death and destruction in Vietnam led to people protesting against the atrocities committed during the war. This protest and outcry led to a ceasefire in Vietnam. In recent times, also many fear to go to war because the current war can be deadlier and more destructive. All these points illustrate how fear not always leads to war but also leads as a barrier to war.

In conclusion, fear might be the motivator behind the war, however, it is not the only cause behind the war. War is also rooted in other factors such as pride, honour, aggression and self-interest. It is also essential to understand that fear may seem like a disease, but it is also a cure which can lead to peace and stability in society.