I don't think these passions are actually that crucial for understanding why large groups go to conflict. I was when my life isn't at stake, my first my default is there haveng a bad day. So be kindand that's where i start. But the fact that people occasionally, quote, fly off the handal, i don't think that proves that people have a taste for violence. However, i we have some violence in our heart, many of us, and it's sitting there. You like, you ignite it and it will come to life. And whether it's ex fighters in liberia, or gang members in and moffe members and magine, or or
It's tempting to explain Russia's invasion of Ukraine with Putin's megalomania. Economist Chris Blattman of the University of Chicago talks about his book Why We Fight with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Blattman explains why only a fraction of rivalries ever erupt into violence, the five main reasons adversaries can't arrive at compromise, and the problem with trying to get into Putin's head (and why it's not all about Putin. Really).