OPEN TO DEBATE: Wars over territory, religion, ideology, resources, and power, ranging from ancient battles to modern proxy wars: conflicts have been a constant in human history. With geopolitical tensions rising, AI transforming warfare, and nuclear threats never far from the headlines, this timeless, yet urgent question matters more than ever: Is humanity naturally inclined toward war, or is war a solvable policy failure? Those saying it is inevitable argue that our global system is anarchic and no overarching authority exists to stop war, so states prioritize survival and power. There’s also a biological component where competition, tribalism, and aggression are hard-wired into human nature, especially in male-dominated political hierarchies. Those arguing war isn’t inevitable point out that conflict is not the only form of dispute resolution; trade, diplomacy, international law, mediation, and peace treaties can avert war. Norms can change. Slavery and dueling were once seen as inevitable, but are now unthinkable, and war could follow the same path. Now we contemplate this question: Is War Inevitable? Featured debaters:

Arguing Yes: Dylan Motin, Visiting Scholar at the Seoul National University Asia Center Arguing No: Gabrielle Rifkind, Conflict Mediator; Director of Oxford Process

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates.
RealClearPolitics Videos