Lex Fridman Podcast #273 – Chris Blattman: War and Violence
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Apr 3, 2022 Chris Blattman, a professor at the University of Chicago, researches the causes of violence and war. In this engaging conversation, he explores the multifaceted nature of conflict, examining how economics, psychology, and culture intersect. Blattman discusses the psychological and ideological factors driving resilience during the Ukrainian struggle and critiques the role of leadership and propaganda in escalating violence. He also highlights the importance of understanding gang dynamics and shares a transformative personal anecdote that shifted his career toward humanitarian efforts.
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Broad Definition of War
- War is any prolonged violent struggle between groups, including villages, clans, gangs, and nations.
- Their origins often share commonalities.
Distinguishing War from Other Violence
- Short, sporadic violence, like gangbanging, serves as communication, not war.
- War involves prolonged, costly violence that typically lacks a better alternative.
The Cost of War and Human Values
- War is costly for all involved, making it a breakdown of reason and negotiation.
- Despite this, humans sometimes fight for deeply held values, like liberty.
