Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 4, Episode 7: Richard Overy, Why War?
Mar 4, 2025
Historian Richard Overy, an honorary professor at the University of Exeter, dives deep into the unsettling question of why humans wage war. He illuminates the psychological and historical roots of conflict, exploring the 'us vs. them' mentality that fuels division. Overy examines the interplay of resources, belief, and ideology, asserting that warfare is a collective, not just individual, motivation. He also discusses the economic foundations of empire and critiques historical missteps in diplomacy, offering a nuanced look at the complexities behind war.
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Origins of Human Belligerence
- Human belligerence predates states by thousands of years, rooted deeply in tribal and small-group violence.
- Organized war evolved as societies structured themselves to defend or attack others for survival and resources.
Us vs Them Mentality
- The psychological division of 'us versus them' is a fundamental human trait fostering conflict.
- Even peaceful neighbors can quickly become bitter enemies due to this deep-rooted social boundary.
Yugoslav War Prediction Anecdote
- Jeffrey Sachs recounts his 1989 visit to peaceful Belgrade, dismissing predictions of Yugoslav civil war.
- Within a year, neighbors turned violently against each other, illustrating rapid dehumanization in conflicts.
