Theories of war
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary
groups such as mercenaries, insurgents,and militias. It is generally characterised by extreme
violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces. Warfare refers
to the common activities and characteristics of types of war, or of wars in general. Total war
is warfare that is not restricted to purely legitimate military targets, and can result in massive
civilian or other non-combatant suffering and casualties.
Evolutionary biology theory
Man is an animal and, therefore, acts as an animal.
How do animals behave amongst each other?
• Fight for territory
• Fight for food
War is a natural result of these biological urges
1. Pre civilization war (food and territory)-In pre-civilization societies, warfare was often
driven by immediate needs such as resource acquisition, territorial expansion, or defense
against other groups. These conflicts lacked centralized states or formal rules of
engagement, often involving small-scale skirmishes or raids rather than organized battles.
2. War in times of Civilization (food, territory, surplus production)-Wars were fought over
territory, resources, power, and religious or cultural differences. Civilization brought about a
more structured approach to warfare, influencing its scale, duration, and impact on societies
and culture
3. Mediaeval war( geo political and geo economical)-Wars were fought over territory,
resources, power, and religious or cultural differences. Civilization brought about a more
structured approach to warfare, influencing its scale, duration, and impact on societies and
culture
4. Modern War( geopolitical, geo economical, imperialism)-Modern warfare refers to military
conflict from the late 19th century to the present day, characterized by technological
advancements, industrialized production of weapons, and strategic complexity.
5.Ideological conflict( capitalism vs socialism)-Ideological conflict refers to disputes or
hostilities primarily rooted in differing beliefs, values, or ideologies. These conflicts often
involve competing worldviews, political systems, religious doctrines, or social ideologies.
Realist Theories
A category of a number of theories of war.International relations is a state of
anarchy..Sovereign states operate in this anarchy according to their rational interests.These
interests can be based on security, power, or wealth.War can result from purposeful actions
or from inadvertent acts.
Realist theories, in international relations, emphasize the pursuit of power and national
interests as central to states' behavior. They argue that the international system is anarchic,
with states competing for security and survival. Realists prioritize state sovereignty, military
strength, and strategic alliances, viewing conflict as inevitable and diplomacy as a tool to
manage rather than eliminate tensions. They focus on the dynamics of power, balance of
power, and the self-interested actions of states in shaping global politics.
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary
groups such as mercenaries, insurgents,and militias. It is generally characterised by extreme
violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces. Warfare refers
to the common activities and characteristics of types of war, or of wars in general. Total war
is warfare that is not restricted to purely legitimate military targets, and can result in massive
civilian or other non-combatant suffering and casualties.
Evolutionary biology theory
Man is an animal and, therefore, acts as an animal.
How do animals behave amongst each other?
• Fight for territory
• Fight for food
War is a natural result of these biological urges
1. Pre civilization war (food and territory)-In pre-civilization societies, warfare was often
driven by immediate needs such as resource acquisition, territorial expansion, or defense
against other groups. These conflicts lacked centralized states or formal rules of
engagement, often involving small-scale skirmishes or raids rather than organized battles.
2. War in times of Civilization (food, territory, surplus production)-Wars were fought over
territory, resources, power, and religious or cultural differences. Civilization brought about a
more structured approach to warfare, influencing its scale, duration, and impact on societies
and culture
3. Mediaeval war( geo political and geo economical)-Wars were fought over territory,
resources, power, and religious or cultural differences. Civilization brought about a more
structured approach to warfare, influencing its scale, duration, and impact on societies and
culture
4. Modern War( geopolitical, geo economical, imperialism)-Modern warfare refers to military
conflict from the late 19th century to the present day, characterized by technological
advancements, industrialized production of weapons, and strategic complexity.
5.Ideological conflict( capitalism vs socialism)-Ideological conflict refers to disputes or
hostilities primarily rooted in differing beliefs, values, or ideologies. These conflicts often
involve competing worldviews, political systems, religious doctrines, or social ideologies.
Realist Theories
A category of a number of theories of war.International relations is a state of
anarchy..Sovereign states operate in this anarchy according to their rational interests.These
interests can be based on security, power, or wealth.War can result from purposeful actions
or from inadvertent acts.
Realist theories, in international relations, emphasize the pursuit of power and national
interests as central to states' behavior. They argue that the international system is anarchic,
with states competing for security and survival. Realists prioritize state sovereignty, military
strength, and strategic alliances, viewing conflict as inevitable and diplomacy as a tool to
manage rather than eliminate tensions. They focus on the dynamics of power, balance of
power, and the self-interested actions of states in shaping global politics.
