In a riveting discussion, military historian Richard Overy, author of 'Why War?', dives into the complex reasons behind humanity's enduring tendency to engage in warfare. He traces the origins of organized violence back to prehistoric times, revealing how resource acquisition and societal factors have fueled conflicts throughout history. Overy highlights modern resource wars and their implications, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions like those in Eastern Ukraine. The conversation also addresses the psychological motivations of leaders and the persistent nature of war across time.
Human propensity for war may stem from a combination of biological predisposition and societal structures influencing conflict dynamics.
The pursuit of power and resource control has historically driven leaders to instigate wars, often leading to devastating consequences.
Deep dives
The First Recorded Battle
The battle of Megiddo, fought around 1457 BC, marks a significant moment in human history as the first conflict for which we have a reliable account. Led by Pharaoh Tuthmosis III, the Egyptians faced a rebellious force at Megiddo that ultimately led to an Egyptian siege lasting eight months. This conflict exemplifies not only military strategy but also the dynamics of warfare, including the looting that occurred post-victory, allowing the enemy to fortify its position. The outcome of Megiddo not only confirmed Egyptian dominance but also left a lasting historical imprint, symbolically linking it to the apocalyptic notion of Armageddon.
The Roots of Human Conflict
The discussion highlights a fundamental question regarding the innate propensity for war within humanity. While some scholars argue that organized violence only began with the establishment of modern states around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, others suggest that it dates back even further to hunter-gatherer societies needing to protect resources. This inquiry into human nature and violence prompts the consideration of whether conflict arises from biological predisposition or societal structure. The evolution of cooperative violence may have played a crucial role in the survival and success of early human groups.
The Role of Resources in Warfare
Throughout history, the search for resources has been a primary driver behind conflicts, motivated by factors such as population pressure and the desire for wealth. Notable figures, such as Adolf Hitler, highlighted this aspect by their ambitions for territorial expansion to secure vital resources. The discussion raises concerns over the future, suggesting that resource scarcity may reignite wars in the 21st century. The notion that resource wars can yield successful outcomes, as seen in historical contexts, emphasizes the enduring relevance of this driver in human conflict.
Power as a Factor in Conflict
Power is identified as a significant motivator in wars, often pursued for its own sake by leaders who believe in their divine right to expand their dominion. Examples from history illustrate ambitious leaders, such as Alexander the Great and Napoleon, who engaged in wars that were not always about resources but rather the unquenchable thirst for power. This pursuit of power becomes perilous because it is unpredictable, with the potential for individuals in positions of authority to instigate devastating conflicts. The interplay of individual ambition and broader societal conditions complicates our understanding of why wars occur, suggesting both personal psychology and historical context are crucial elements.
Why, despite knowing the devastation it causes, do humans insist on starting wars? Countless battles have littered the pages of our shared human story. Powerful leaders, hungry for glory and conquest, have always relied on conflict to achieve their goals.
To understand the persistence of violent conflict in the human story, Dan is joined by Richard Overy, one of the great military historians and author of 'Why War?'.
This was originally released as a History Hit subscriber-exclusive episode.
Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.
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