A World Without War: A Vision of Peace and Progress
In this article, we explore the concept of a world without war, examining what life on Mars, animal behavior, and human history can teach us about achieving this vision of peaceful coexistence. From the non-life on Mars to the non-violent conflict-resolution strategies of certain animals, we delve into the factors that make war possible and how a world without war might look.
Life on Mars: A World Without War
Despite its name, Mars has always been a world without war due to the lack of life complex enough for war to be a possibility. Mars’ inhabitants, if any, would likely use nonviolent conflict-resolution strategies that would map well at the polity level, making war an alien concept. However, humans are far from this kind of life. Our closest animal relatives, the other non-solitary great apes, engage in raiding and killing for resources. Their behavior is limited to small bands too small to sustain large-scale wars.
The Evolution of War in Human History
Once we reached big enough tribes, war became a fundamental part of our existence. The idea of a rules-based international order is a relatively recent development, with most of human history dominated by zero-sum or negative-sum international anarchy. This means that the only way for a polity to be safe is to conquer its neighbors before they become strong enough to conquer it. This has been the modus operandi of civilizations for thousands of years.
Progress Towards a War-Free World
Despite the challenges, progress has been made. While mid-20th century optimists may have hoped for faster progress, the world is gradually moving towards a more peaceful future. The development of a post-scarcity society, where resources are abundant, offers a glimpse of a world where the need for war is minimized. Over a few generations, humanity can learn to adapt and believe in a world without war.
The Future Beyond Earth and Beyond Humanity
However, humanity may not be alone in the universe. Other species may have already achieved a peaceful society without ever going through a warlike stage. If we ever encounter such a species, we can learn from them and better understand the possibility of a world without war. Alternatively, we might one day master peaceful conflict resolutions strategies, allowing us to live in a world without war. Yet, as we progress, we may face new challenges. For instance, contact with alien species could lead to new forms of conflict or cooperation. As we continue to evolve, we must ensure that our progress facilitates peace and coexistence.
In conclusion, the pursuit of a world without war is both challenging and vital. By learning from the past, present, and potential futures, we can work towards a more peaceful world. The path may be long, but each step forward brings us closer to a vision of peace and progress.