The Quest for a World Without War

The idea of a world without war has long captivated the human imagination. If we had been capable of creating a civilization where nonviolent conflict-resolution strategies were the norm, would it have looked fundamentally different from the wars and conflicts that have plagued human history?

A Speculative World

Despite the common belief that Mars lacks the necessary conditions for life, let alone the possibility of war due to the absence of complex life forms, the concept of a world without war may not be as far-fetched as one might think. Imagine a civilization where species are capable of resolving conflicts peacefully and without violence. This hypothetical society would stand in stark contrast to human history, where the advent of large tribes and civilizations was inevitably followed by the establishment of war as a means of survival.

History and the Absence of War

For most of human history, the idea of a rules-based international order was nothing more than a distant dream. The zero-sum game and negative-sum anarchy of international relations meant that states could only ensure their safety by conquering neighboring territories. Even present-day civilizations struggle with the concept, as seen in the ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Iraq. However, there is hope that progress will eventually lead to a society where war is no longer a necessary evil.

Towards a Post-Scarcity Society

Theories suggest that a post-scarcity society, where resources are abundant and the human condition is freed from the struggle for survival, might be a key step towards a world without war. With the burden of scarcity lifted, societies might find it easier to resolve conflicts through peaceful means rather than through violent conquest. This societal shift would require a profound transformation in how we approach resources and social structures.

Extraterrestrial Hope

For those who aren’t hoping for such a profound societal change, there is the possibility that other intelligent species might have already achieved a world without war. The discovery of such a species could provide us with valuable insights into the nature of conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence. However, this scenario is unrealistic until we have encountered such a species ourselves. Alternatively, the option of enslaving an intelligent species, as portrayed in the sci-fi realm, is not a viable or desirable solution.

Conclusion

While a world without war remains an ambitious goal, there is progress. The principles of the international order are slowly evolving to include more rules and norms for peaceful resolution of disputes. Even though the pace of change might be slower than mid-20th century optimists hoped, it is a step in the right direction. The future of a world without war might lie in the development of a society that has outgrown the need for violence, but we must avoid the pitfalls of progress by considering all ethical implications of such a future.