TRIGGERnometry Dr Mike Martin: Why We Fight
Feb 3, 2020
Dr. Mike Martin, a former British Army officer and war studies fellow at King's College London, shares insights from his book, exploring the complex reasons behind warfare. He critiques the oversimplified narratives of the Afghan conflict, emphasizing the importance of historical context. The discussion delves into evolutionary psychology, examining how social status and group dynamics influence conflict behavior. Martin also highlights the role of genetics and hormonal factors in shaping our responses to violence and belonging, revealing the intricate ties between biology and warfare.
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Somaliland Visa Office
- Mike Martin lived in Somaliland and discovered the Somaliland visa office above his Tesco in Stepney.
- This highlighted the historical links between the UK and Somaliland, stemming from the British Merchant Navy in the 1800s.
Afghan War Complexity
- The war in Afghanistan is often portrayed as a simple good versus evil narrative.
- The reality is a complex, multifocal civil war driven by local disputes over resources and tribal power.
Simplified Narratives
- Media narratives about conflicts, like Afghanistan, are often simplified.
- This is due to limited news cycles and the public's short attention span for foreign news.
