Bear Braumoeller, a noted political science professor, delves into the contentious debate surrounding the decline of war. He argues against the popular notion that warfare is decreasing, citing compelling data and historical analysis. The conversation spans the complexities of modern warfare, the paradox of Enlightenment ideals fueling conflict, and the role of religion in warfare. Braumoeller emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of conflict data and highlights geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, as pressing indicators of potential future conflicts.

Bear Braumoeller, a computational social scientist and author of *Only the Dead: The Persistence of War in the Modern Age*, argues that war is not in decline, challenging Steven Pinker's popular narrative. He discusses the complexities of modern warfare and the flawed methodologies behind some war data interpretations. The conversation touches on the impact of historical international orders, the dual legacy of the Enlightenment in promoting both reason and conflict, and how geopolitical tensions today could suggest a resurgence in war rather than a decline.