Perpetual war

Dependence on war

Nature

Perpetual war refers to a state of continuous, unending conflict, often sustained by political, economic, or ideological interests. As a problem, it undermines peace, stability, and development, causing persistent human suffering, displacement, and loss of life. Perpetual war diverts resources from social needs, erodes civil liberties, and fosters cycles of violence and mistrust. It can be perpetuated by governments, corporations, or groups benefiting from ongoing hostilities. The normalization of conflict in such scenarios hinders diplomatic solutions and perpetuates insecurity, making it a significant obstacle to global progress and human well-being.

Background

The phenomenon of perpetual war gained prominence in the twentieth century, as global conflicts such as the World Wars and the Cold War revealed the persistence of militarized tensions beyond formal hostilities. Scholars and policymakers began to recognize the cyclical nature of warfare, with George Orwell’s "1984" popularizing the concept. Subsequent analysis has highlighted how technological advances, ideological divides, and economic interests have entrenched continuous conflict as a recurring feature of international relations.

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 vastly overstated. In reality, most people’s daily lives are unaffected by distant conflicts, and global progress continues regardless. Media sensationalism exaggerates the impact, distracting us from more pressing issues like healthcare, education, and economic stability. Obsessing over perpetual war is a waste of concern; it’s simply not a critical problem for the vast majority of the world’s population.