The Complexity of War's Nature

The discussion emphasizes the multifaceted nature of war, highlighting that it cannot be solely attributed to biological predispositions. Margaret Macmillan suggests that while humans may possess inherent instincts for violence, such as the fight or flight response, the motivations behind warfare are also heavily influenced by cultural factors and rational planning. History shows that societies have organized themselves around warfare, indicating that the decision to engage in conflict often reflects higher-level societal values rather than pure instinct. This interplay between biology and culture leads to a nuanced understanding of why societies go to war and how they prepare for it.