Perpetual war

Dependence on war

Nature

Perpetual war refers to a state of continuous or unending armed conflict, where warfare becomes normalized and peace remains unattainable. This problem disrupts societies, causes humanitarian crises, and diverts resources from development to defense. Perpetual warfare can be fueled by political, economic, or ideological factors, often sustained by vested interests. It erodes trust between nations, fosters instability, and perpetuates cycles of violence, displacement, and poverty. The normalization of conflict undermines efforts toward diplomacy, reconciliation, and reconstruction, creating significant obstacles to global security and human well-being.

Background

Perpetual war emerged as a recognized global concern during the twentieth century, notably after World War I and II, when cycles of unresolved conflict became apparent. The Cold War’s protracted standoffs and the persistence of armed engagements in regions such as the Middle East further highlighted the enduring nature of conflict. Over time, scholars and policymakers began to examine perpetual war’s implications for global stability, human rights, and governance, emphasizing its long-term challenges to peace.

Incidence

The USA has bombed at least 23 countries since 1945 and is the the only country to have deployed nuclear weapons. In 2023, it has more than 700 military bases and over 200,000 US troops in foreign countries and spends more than any other countr(ies) on military spending (approaching $1 trillion annually).

Claim

"It does not matter whether the war is actually happening, and, since no decisive victory is possible, it does not matter whether the war is going well or badly. All that is needed is that a state of war should exist.” Emanuel Goldstein, The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism (in George Orwell’s 1984)

The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous. … The war is waged by the ruling group against its own subjects and its object is not the victory over either Eurasia or East Asia, but to keep the very structure of society intact. (George Orwell, 1984)

Counter-claim

The idea that perpetual war is a significant problem is blown out of proportion. History shows that conflicts have always existed, yet societies continue to progress and innovate. Worrying excessively about eternal warfare distracts from issues that actually impact daily life, like education and healthcare. In reality, perpetual war is an abstract concept rather than a pressing crisis—there are far more urgent and practical concerns deserving our attention and resources.