Monday, December 5, 2011

In general, what are the causes and effects of war?

The effects of warfare are easier to discuss than the causes, so we will begin our discussion there. Warfare's most obvious effect is the cost of human lives. Depending on the scale and scope of warfare, the cost to human lives can be staggering. Death can find victims on the battlefield, through the transmission of disease, and through famine. Civilians that are caught in the crossfire are often killed.


In addition to death, warfare can disrupt the economies of the combatants. Resources are utilized to conduct war that would otherwise be used for civic or commercial purpose. Agricultural industries are inevitably disrupted. Warfare can often be profitable for some parties or countries as weapons and other supplies will be purchased by the government to conduct war. The economic effects of warfare can last for many years after the treaties have been inked.  


Warfare also has the ability effect national boundaries and global politics. Old states may perish and new ones take their place. The balance of power in the world has the ability to shift.  Bad feeling between combatants may endure, arising in further conflict in the future.  


Most wars in world history were caused by economic motives. Countries go to war if it can benefit their economic situations. This is especially true in the pursuit of resources and markets. Some conflicts are cultural in nature, particularly when religions are involved. Political and ideological differences are another motive for going to war.

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