Intelligence Squared Why We Fight, with Christopher Blattman
Jun 27, 2022
Christopher Blattman, an economist and political scientist at the University of Chicago, shares insights from his book on the roots of war and peace. He discusses how poverty and oppression fuel conflict while exploring humanity's innate push for peace amidst global crises. Blattman delves into the complex dynamics of negotiations in conflict situations, particularly looking at the Ukraine-Russia tensions. He emphasizes the crucial role of understanding local motivations and how criminal groups can unexpectedly drive stability in communities impacted by violence.
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Conflict's Rarity
- Conflict is rare for humans, not a natural state.
- Powerful incentives push us to find alternatives to violence.
Selection Bias in Social Science
- Focusing only on negative events like hate speech or conflict leads to misdiagnosis.
- Comparing negative cases to positive ones is crucial for understanding.
Defining Conflict
- The focus is on prolonged fighting, which is costly at all levels.
- All sides strive to avoid it, preferring less destructive competition.
