Negotiation and Conflict Resolution : The Reasons of War

Summary

This lecture explores the reasons behind human conflict and war, delving into two primary perspectives: war as an instinctual part of human nature versus war as a cultural construct. The speaker examines historical examples like World War II and Napoleon’s campaigns to demonstrate how leaders drive wars. Theories such as ‘just war,’ aggression as an innate trait, and frustration leading to violence are discussed. The speaker also highlights how human behaviors and societal experiences shape our approach to conflict. The lecture concludes with the idea that war could potentially be avoided if it is unlearned from the human psyche.

Takeaways

• 😀 War is a complex topic with multiple perspectives, mainly focused on whether it is a natural human instinct or a learned cultural behavior.
• 😀 One perspective is that war is part of human nature, driven by instincts like aggression, survival, and the desire to assert dominance.
• 😀 The other perspective views war as a cultural construct, something learned and perpetuated by society, and therefore avoidable if unlearned.
• 😀 The speaker uses historical examples like World War II and Napoleon's conquests to illustrate how leaders influence the course of wars.
• 😀 According to the theory of 'just war,' there are two main doctrines: 'just ad bellum' (just reasons to go to war) and 'just in bello' (conducting war ethically).
• 😀 'Just ad bellum' requires war to be a last resort, with a legitimate cause, and authorized by institutions like the United Nations.
• 😀 'Just in bello' focuses on the ethical conduct during war, ensuring that civilians are protected, and mass destruction weapons are avoided.
• 😀 Experts like Conrad Lorenz argue that aggression and competition for resources and leadership in animals, like wolves, parallels human behavior and leads to war.
• 😀 Sigmund Freud and other theorists, like Robert Ardrey and Erich Fromm, emphasize that human aggression is part of our genetic structure and can lead to violent behavior.
• 😀 John Dollard's frustration-aggression theory suggests that unmet expectations (frustration) can lead to aggressive behavior, though not all frustration results in violence.

Q & A

What is the central question discussed in the script regarding war?

The central question discussed is: 'Why do humans go to war?' This question is explored through two main perspectives—war as a natural instinct and war as a cultural construct.

How do historical leaders like Hitler and Napoleon relate to the discussion of war?

The script mentions leaders like Hitler and Napoleon to illustrate how wars have been led by powerful figures who were able to rally armies and expand their influence, showing the central role of leadership in wars.

What are the two main perspectives on the reason for war mentioned in the script?

The two main perspectives are: 1) War as a natural instinct, where war is seen as an inevitable part of human nature, and 2) War as a cultural phenomenon, where war is learned and can be eliminated through changes in human behavior.

What is UNESCO’s stance on the cause of war?

UNESCO states that 'war begins in the minds of men,' suggesting that war is a product of human thought and can be prevented if we change our mindset about it.

What is the 'Just War Theory' discussed in the transcript?

The 'Just War Theory' suggests that war can be morally justified under certain conditions. The theory is divided into two main doctrines: 'Just ad bellum' (just reasons to go to war) and 'Just in bello' (rules for conduct during war).

What are the key requirements of war according to 'Just War Theory'?

The key requirements of war include that war must be a last resort, have a reasonable chance of success, and be conducted by legitimate institutions like the United Nations. The war must also respect human rights, avoid harming civilians, and protect prisoners of war.

What does the script suggest about war being part of human nature?

The script discusses how some experts, like Konrad Lorenz and Sigmund Freud, argue that aggression and violence are part of human nature, similar to animal behavior. According to this view, humans may go to war because of instincts such as survival, territoriality, and reproduction.

How does Erich Fromm contribute to the understanding of aggression in humans?

Erich Fromm suggests that narcissism is a key factor in human aggression. He argues that individuals or groups who are excessively narcissistic may become destructive when their identity or symbols are insulted, which can lead to conflict or war.

What is the 'Frustration-Aggression Theory' by John Dollard?

The 'Frustration-Aggression Theory' by John Dollard posits that aggression is a response to frustration, which arises when there is a gap between expectations and reality. For example, if a person expects success but faces failure, the frustration can lead to aggressive behavior.

Can frustration always lead to aggression according to the script?

No, the script explains that frustration does not automatically lead to aggression. Factors like social norms, personal experiences, and the ability to cope with frustration can influence whether frustration results in aggression.