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Essays on War and Peace

The importance of writing an essay on war and peace.

Writing an essay on War and Peace is important because it allows us to explore the complexities of human conflict and the potential for peace. War and Peace is a timeless topic that has shaped history and continues to impact societies around the world. By delving into this subject through writing, we can gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of war, as well as the efforts to achieve peace.

When writing an essay on War and Peace, it is important to consider the historical context and the various perspectives involved. This includes examining the political, social, and cultural factors that contribute to war, as well as the diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to promote peace. Additionally, it is crucial to analyze the impact of war on individuals and communities, and the strategies for reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Here are some tips for writing an essay on War and Peace:

• Research extensively to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Consider different viewpoints and analyze the complexities of war and peace.
• Use evidence and examples to support your arguments and insights.
• Craft a compelling thesis statement that captures the essence of your essay.
• Organize your ideas logically and coherently to present a well-structured argument.
• Use clear and concise language to communicate your ideas effectively.
• Revise and edit your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

By writing an essay on War and Peace, we can contribute to the discourse on conflict and resolution, and help foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of human interaction. It is through thoughtful and insightful writing that we can promote empathy, dialogue, and ultimately, the pursuit of peace.

• The Role of War in War and Peace
• The Meaning of Peace in War and Peace
• The Character of Pierre Bezukhov
• Natasha Rostova: A Portrait of a Heroine
• The Philosophy of History in War and Peace
• The Russian Aristocracy in War and Peace
• War and Peace as a Reflection of Tolstoy's Life
• The Influence of War and Peace on Literature and Culture
• Tolstoy's Narrative Technique in War and Peace
• War and Peace: A Study in Morality

War and Peace offers a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and ideas that can be explored through a multitude of essay topics. Whether you are interested in history, literature, philosophy, or psychology, there is ample material in this classic novel to inspire thought-provoking essays. By delving into the complexities of war, peace, and the human spirit, you can gain a deeper understanding of Tolstoy's masterpiece and its enduring relevance.

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Serialised 1865–1867; book 1869

Leo Tolstoy

Historical novel

The novel tells the story of five families - the Bezukhovs, the Bolkonskys, the Rostovs, the Kuragins, and the Drubetskoys

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Essay on War and Peace

Students are often asked to write an essay on War and Peace in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on War and Peace

Understanding war and peace.

War and peace are two sides of the same coin, representing conflict and harmony respectively. War often arises from disagreements, leading to violence and destruction. On the other hand, peace symbolizes tranquility, unity, and cooperation.

The Impact of War

War can cause immense suffering and loss. It destroys homes, breaks families, and causes physical and emotional pain. Moreover, it can lead to economic instability and environmental damage, affecting future generations.

The Importance of Peace

Peace is essential for the well-being of individuals and societies. It fosters growth, prosperity, and happiness. Peace encourages dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect, helping to resolve conflicts peacefully.

250 Words Essay on War and Peace

Introduction.

War and peace, two contrasting states, have shaped human civilization, politics, and cultural identity. The dichotomy between these two conditions is not merely a matter of physical conflict or tranquility but extends to philosophical, psychological, and ethical dimensions.

War: A Double-Edged Sword

The necessity of peace.

Peace, on the other hand, is a state of harmony and cooperation, conducive to prosperity, growth, and human development. It fosters an environment where creativity, innovation, and collaboration can thrive. Peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of justice and equality, which are fundamental for sustainable development.

Striking a Balance

The challenge lies in striking a balance between the pursuit of peace and the inevitability of war. This balance is not about accepting war as a necessary evil, but about understanding its causes and working towards preventing them. Peacebuilding efforts should focus on addressing root causes of conflict, like inequality and injustice, and promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

In conclusion, the complex relationship between war and peace is a reflection of the human condition. Striving for peace while understanding the realities of war is a delicate but necessary balance we must achieve. It is through this equilibrium that we can hope to progress as a society, ensuring a better future for generations to come.

500 Words Essay on War and Peace

War and peace are two polar opposites, yet they are inextricably linked in the complex tapestry of human history. They represent the dual nature of humanity: our capacity for both destruction and harmony. This essay explores the intricate relationship between war and peace, the impacts they have on societies, and the philosophical perspectives that underpin both.

The Dualism of War and Peace

War and peace are not merely states of conflict and tranquility, but rather manifestations of human nature and societal structures. War, in its essence, is a reflection of our primal instincts for survival, dominance, and territoriality. It exposes the darker side of humanity, where violence and power struggles prevail. Conversely, peace symbolizes our capacity for cooperation, empathy, and mutual understanding. It showcases the brighter side of humanity, where dialogue and diplomacy reign.

Impacts of War and Peace

On the other hand, peace allows societies to flourish. It fosters economic growth, social development, and cultural exchange. Yet, peace is not merely the absence of war. It requires active effort to maintain social justice, equality, and mutual respect among diverse groups.

Philosophical Perspectives

War and peace have been subjects of philosophical debate for centuries. Realists argue that war is an inevitable part of human nature and international relations, while idealists contend that peace can be achieved through international cooperation and diplomacy.

In conclusion, war and peace are multifaceted concepts that reveal much about the human condition. Understanding their dynamics is crucial to shaping a world that leans towards peace, even as it acknowledges the realities of war. The challenge lies in mitigating the triggers of war and nurturing the conditions for peace. It is a task that requires not just political and diplomatic effort, but also a deep introspection into our collective values and aspirations.

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Essay Curve

Essay on War And Peace – Samples, 10 Lines to 1500 Words

Essay on War And Peace: War and peace have been two constants in human history, shaping the course of nations and the lives of individuals. In this essay, we will explore the complex relationship between war and peace, examining the causes of conflict, the impact of war on society, and the efforts to achieve lasting peace. Through a critical analysis of historical events and contemporary conflicts, we will delve into the complexities of war and peace, seeking to understand the forces that drive nations to war and the challenges of building a sustainable peace.

Table of Contents

War And Peace Essay Writing Tips

1. Start by choosing a specific angle or perspective to focus on when writing your essay on war and peace. This could be a historical analysis of a specific war, a comparison of different peace treaties, or an exploration of the impact of war on society.

2. Begin your essay with a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines the main argument or point you will be making in your essay. This will help guide your writing and keep your essay focused.

3. Provide background information on the topic of war and peace to give your readers context and help them understand the significance of the issues you will be discussing.

4. Use evidence and examples to support your arguments. This could include statistics, historical facts, quotes from experts, or personal anecdotes. Make sure to cite your sources properly to give credibility to your essay.

5. Consider the opposing viewpoint and address counterarguments in your essay. This will show that you have considered different perspectives and strengthen your argument.

6. Use clear and concise language in your writing. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may confuse your readers. Make sure your ideas are presented in a logical and organized manner.

7. Use transitions to connect your ideas and help your essay flow smoothly. This will make it easier for your readers to follow your argument and understand your points.

8. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. You can also offer some final thoughts or recommendations for further research on the topic of war and peace.

9. Proofread your essay carefully to check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Make sure your writing is clear and coherent, and that your arguments are well-supported and persuasive.

10. Finally, consider getting feedback from a peer or teacher to help you improve your essay before submitting it. This will help you identify any areas for improvement and ensure that your essay is well-written and engaging.

Essay on War And Peace in 10 Lines – Examples

1. War and Peace is a novel written by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1869. 2. It is considered one of the greatest works of literature and a masterpiece of Russian literature. 3. The novel follows the lives of several aristocratic families in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. 4. The main characters include Pierre Bezukhov, Natasha Rostova, and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. 5. The novel explores themes of love, war, politics, and the nature of power. 6. Tolstoy’s writing style is known for its detailed descriptions and philosophical musings. 7. War and Peace is often praised for its realistic portrayal of battle scenes and its complex characters. 8. The novel is divided into four books and spans over 1,200 pages. 9. It has been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and stage productions. 10. War and Peace continues to be studied and analyzed for its insights into human nature and the impact of war on society.

Sample Essay on War And Peace in 100-180 Words

War and peace are two contrasting concepts that have been intertwined throughout human history. War brings destruction, death, and suffering, while peace represents harmony, stability, and prosperity. The consequences of war are devastating, affecting not only the combatants but also innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Achieving peace is a complex and challenging task that requires diplomacy, negotiation, and compromise. It involves resolving conflicts, addressing grievances, and promoting understanding and reconciliation among nations. Peace is essential for the well-being and progress of societies, allowing for economic development, social cohesion, and the protection of human rights.

While war may sometimes be necessary to defend against aggression or injustice, it should always be a last resort. The ultimate goal should be to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions to disputes. By working together to build a more peaceful world, we can create a better future for all.

Short Essay on War And Peace in 200-500 Words

War and peace are two concepts that have been intertwined throughout human history. War is often seen as a destructive force that brings about death, destruction, and suffering, while peace is seen as a state of harmony and tranquility. The two concepts are often seen as opposites, with war representing conflict and violence, and peace representing cooperation and understanding.

War has been a constant presence in human history, with conflicts arising over land, resources, power, and ideology. Wars have been fought for various reasons, including territorial expansion, religious differences, and political disputes. Throughout history, wars have led to the loss of millions of lives, the destruction of cities and civilizations, and the displacement of populations.

Despite the destructive nature of war, it has also been seen as a necessary evil in some cases. Wars have been fought to defend against aggression, to protect national interests, and to uphold principles of justice and freedom. In some cases, wars have been seen as a means to bring about positive change, such as the end of oppressive regimes or the establishment of democratic governments.

On the other hand, peace is often seen as the ideal state of human existence. Peace is characterized by cooperation, understanding, and harmony among individuals and nations. Peace allows for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, rather than through violence and force. Peaceful societies are able to thrive and prosper, as they are able to focus on development, progress, and the well-being of their citizens.

Achieving peace is a complex and challenging process that requires the commitment and cooperation of individuals, communities, and nations. Peace can be achieved through diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution, as well as through the promotion of human rights, justice, and equality. Building a culture of peace requires the rejection of violence, discrimination, and intolerance, and the promotion of dialogue, understanding, and respect.

In conclusion, war and peace are two fundamental aspects of human existence that have shaped the course of history. While war has brought about death, destruction, and suffering, peace has brought about cooperation, understanding, and harmony. Achieving peace requires the commitment and cooperation of individuals, communities, and nations, as well as the promotion of dialogue, understanding, and respect. By working together to build a culture of peace, we can create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world for future generations.

Essay on War And Peace in 1000-1500 Words

War and peace are two concepts that have been intertwined throughout human history. War, defined as a state of armed conflict between different nations or states, has been a constant presence in the world since the beginning of civilization. Peace, on the other hand, is often seen as the absence of war, a state of tranquility and harmony among individuals and nations. In this essay, we will explore the complex relationship between war and peace, and the various factors that contribute to the prevalence of one over the other.

War has been a part of human history for thousands of years, with conflicts arising over territory, resources, power, and ideology. From the ancient empires of Rome and Persia to the modern conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, war has been a constant presence in the world. The causes of war are numerous and complex, ranging from political and economic factors to social and cultural differences. In many cases, war is seen as a necessary evil, a means of resolving disputes and asserting dominance over others.

However, war also has devastating consequences, both for the individuals involved and for society as a whole. The loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of populations are just some of the tragic outcomes of war. In addition, war can have long-lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of those who experience it, leading to trauma, PTSD, and other psychological disorders. The financial costs of war are also staggering, with billions of dollars spent on weapons, military operations, and reconstruction efforts.

Despite these negative consequences, war continues to be a prevalent feature of the modern world. The rise of nationalism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the competition for scarce resources all contribute to the prevalence of war. In addition, the lack of effective international institutions and mechanisms for resolving conflicts peacefully often leads to the escalation of tensions and the outbreak of armed conflict.

On the other hand, peace is often seen as the ideal state of human existence, a time of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect among individuals and nations. Peace can take many forms, from the absence of war to the presence of justice, equality, and freedom for all. Achieving and maintaining peace is a complex and challenging task, requiring the efforts of individuals, communities, and governments at all levels.

There are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of peace in the world. Diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution are essential tools for resolving disputes and preventing the outbreak of armed conflict. International institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability around the world. Economic development, social justice, and human rights are also important factors in building a peaceful society.

Despite these efforts, achieving lasting peace remains a difficult and elusive goal. The persistence of poverty, inequality, and injustice in many parts of the world creates fertile ground for conflict and violence. The rise of extremism, terrorism, and other forms of violent extremism also pose significant challenges to peace and security. In addition, the lack of political will, leadership, and commitment to peace often hinders efforts to resolve conflicts and build a more peaceful world.

In conclusion, war and peace are two sides of the same coin, with each influencing and shaping the other in complex and profound ways. While war has been a constant presence in human history, peace remains an elusive and challenging goal. Achieving and maintaining peace requires the efforts of individuals, communities, and governments at all levels, as well as a commitment to justice, equality, and human rights for all. By working together to address the root causes of conflict and violence, we can build a more peaceful and prosperous world for future generations.

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War and Peace in Modern World Essay

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Introduction

In our world of ever-increasing number of innovations and informational technologies there is hardly a problem which cannot be solved. The scientists are working out the medicines which can cure even AIDs and cancer, regardless the fact that the diseases which were considered fatal a couple of decades ago can be easily cured now. The world has developed a global network for communication and each day offers new inventions in which our ancestors would never believe in if in their times they heard that something like this would ever be possible to invent. Nevertheless, there remains one big problem the modern society seems to be unable to deal with. Every day we continue to listen to news reports about numerous cases of violence, crimes, natural disasters and wars, which in some parts of the world have lasted over the years and seem to never stop. At this, the reasons of the wars are in fact insignificant and seem to be not serious enough for starting something as terrible as a war. No matter how strange and unfair it may seem, but innocent people give their lives for a miserable strip of land which two governments of the belligerent countries are unable to share or because of the desire of one country to prove that it is more powerful than any other. And here the question arises: When will people all over the world stop wars and finally understand that wars and international conflicts are just a mere waste of money and, what is the most important, of human lives? Is that strip of land worth those losses and sufferings of innocent people involved in wars because of misunderstandings and inability to settle the governmental matters peacefully? Living in peace and prosperity is possible but a lot has to be done in order to achieve peaceful coexistence of different countries and their people in this small world which cannot function properly because of something people missed when forming their society.

First of all, people should admit that it is because of each of them that this world cannot become perfect and agree to introduce some changes into their lives. Everything depends on people and their desire to live peacefully: “Attempting to achieve world peace would mean that the people in this world would have to be willing to make some minor changes in the way we govern ourselves on this earth. Common sense should tell us that the best way to put an end to wars or military conflicts is to create a fully civilized world.” (Jim Des Rocher, 7). It should be admitted that a lot here depends on the government of each country because it is namely governments together with the world leaders who are responsible for wars and international conflict. Constant fighting for power and deciding who is the strongest and who should rule this world leads to what we have now and what will be very difficult to change. It should be realized that not only people of each country should become civilized but the governments as well because welfare of the whole world rather than of separate countries is at stake and with each day the risk of the world to get consumed with uncontrolled violence is increasing. Creating a civilized society will help in achieving world peace and proving to each other that living peacefully in prosperity is not only possible to achieve but is easy to maintain once the desired is already attained: “Civilized countries settle their disputes peacefully. Once you have established a civilized world the chances for military conflicts goes away.” (Jim Des Rocher, 33).

Second, to mention but not less important on the way of achieving world peace is bringing up of such qualities as compassion, justice and mutual forgiveness each of which is necessary for proper functioning of a society. It is striking how brutal and hard-hearted the people of our generation became. Everybody is obsessed with money and is ready to hurt and kill the others in order to gain more money, get promoted or achieve something in this life. Most of people do not care about the others and stopped helping each other though mutual readiness has always been the basis of a successful and prospering society. If mutual assistance becomes a part of each person’s life it will be a grain of mustard seed on the way of achieving world peace. It is also necessary for justice to rule the world for everybody to get proper punishment and for all people to live in fair conditions: “Peace seems to conflict with justice; the one deletes the past, the other acts on it” (Martin Ramirez, 65). Justice should be an integral part of each society for its members to feel secured and to know that their misdeeds will be punished. And as for mutual forgiveness, this noble quality will help make the world understanding and sensible. Learning to forgive should be a part of each person’s life as only being able to forgive the others one can earn a chance to be forgiven: “To seek peace through forgiveness is a life’s program, and it is a worthwhile risk even to the extent of heroism. But one cannot forget that forgiveness also has its own demands: truth (recognition of the crime) and justice (reparation), together with the guarantee that it will not be repeated.” (Martin Ramirez, 65).

And the final important factor directly influencing the world peace is religion. There exist three main religions in this world and supporters of each of them believe that only their religion is the only true one whereas the rest do not have any right for existence. Religion matters have always caused conflicts and to fight this problem is senseless that’s why one has just to face the reality. Modern society does not make tries to introduce a single religion or to abolish religion as such because the history proved that it will get back to the society as it is an essential part of it. Religion gives people hope for the best and turning to God for help they believe sincerely that everything possible will be done in order to make their lives better. World peace depends on the peace of society thus on the peace of each person. If chaos rules the world not a single person will find peace in him and vice versa. The task of people is to support faith in each other and never to let troubles weaken their faith because if the religion won’t be practiced world peace will be out of the question. Religion makes people intelligent and understanding, well-disposed, noble and generous. Without religion they will become aggressive, arrogant, self-centered and this will cause conflicts all around the world. This is why religion should be freely and widely practised in order to make all people believe that if they treat each other well, if they support each other and do not forget about morality they make a contribution into a difficult but rewarding process of achieving world peace and prosperity.

To sum it up, the modern world full of violence and brutality, ruled by those who being in constant pursuit of power use innocent people to prove that their country is the strongest badly needs some improvements because now it is in danger of collapse and each day is being destroyed by people who live in it. To achieve world peace and prosperity seems impossible but just as a lot of other great deeds what it requires is time, efforts and strong desire to change the life of every person for better. It is possible to make this world better even if not perfect and keys to this are the building of a civilized society where both people and government will be civilized, the desire of each person to eradicate his/her shortcomings by trying to develop such qualities as compassion, justice and mutual forgiveness. On top of this all stands the religion which irrespective of its kind keeps people united and gives them hope for the best. Provided that all these points are taken into consideration and put into life the necessary result will be achieved and our world spoiled by money and power will turn into what every person dreams about – a world with no sufferings and grief where people care about each other and are not afraid for their future.

Jim Des Rocher. (2004). How to Achieve World Peace: The Second Greatest Book Ever Written. Trafford Publishing.

J. Martin Ramirez. (2007). Peace Through Dialogue. International Journal on World Peace, 24 (1), 65.

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Essay on War and Peace

No doubt war is an evil, the greatest catastrophe that befalls human beings. It brings death and destruction, disease and starvation, poverty, and ruin in its wake.

But there are people who consider war as something grand and heroic and regard it as something that brings out the best in men, but this does not alter the fact that war is a terrible, dreadful calamity.

No period in world history has been the devastating effects of war. We have had wars of all types long and short. In view of this it seems futile to talk of permanent and everlasting peace or to make plans for the establishment of eternal peace.

We have had advocates of non violence and the theory of the brotherhood of man. We have had the Buddha, Christ and Mahatma Gandhi. But in spite of that, weapons have always been used, military force has always been employed, clashes of arms have always occurred; war has always been waged.

War has indeed been such a marked feature of every age and period that it has come to be regarded As part of the normal life of nations. Machiavelli, the author of the known book, The Prince, defined peace as an interval between two wars Molise, the famous German field marshal declared war to be part of God’s world order.

Poets and prophets have dreamt of a millennium, a utopia in which war will not exist and eternal peace will reign on earth. But these dreams have not been fulfilled. After the Great War of 1914-18, it was thought that there would be no war for a long time to come and an institution called the League of Nations was founded as a safeguard against the outbreak of war.

The occurrence of another war (1939-45), however, conclusively proved that to think of an unbroken peace is to be unrealistic And that no institution or assembly can ever ensure the permanence of peace.

The League of Nations collapsed completely under the tensions and stresses created by Hitler. The United Nations Organization with all the good work that It has been doing is not proving as effective as was desired.

Large numbers of Wars, the most recent ones being the one in Vietnam, the other between India and Pakistan, or indo-china War, Iran-Iraq war or Arab Israel war, have been fought despite the UN. The fact of the matter is that fighting in a natural instinct in man.

When individuals cannot live always in peace, it is, indeed, too much to expect so many nations to live in a state of Eternal peace. Besides, there will always be wide differences of opinion between various nation, different angles of looking at matters that have international importance, radical difference in policy and ideology and these cannot be settled by mere discussions.

So resort to war becomes necessary in such circumstances. Before the outbreak of World War II, for instance, the spread of Communism in Russia created distrust and suspicion in Europe, democracy was an eyesore to Nazi Germany, British Conservatives were apprehensive of the possibility of Britain going Communist.

For example, Germany wished to avenge the humiliating terms imposed upon her at the conclusion of the war of 1914-18 and desired to smash the British Empire and establish an empire of her own. Past wounds, in fact, were not healed up and goaded it to take revenge.

A feverish arms race was going on between the hostile nations in anticipation of such an eventuality, and disarmament efforts were proving futile. The Indo-Pakistan war was fought over the Kashmir issue.

He wants something thrilling and full of excitement and he fights in order to get an outlet for his accumulated energy. It must be admitted, too, that war Has its good side. It spurs men to heroism and self-sacrifice. It is an incentive to scientific research and development. War is obviously an escape from the lethargy of peace.

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Essays About War: Top 5 Examples and 5 Prompts

War is atrocious and there is an almost universal rule that we should be prevented; if you are writing essays about war, read our helpful guide.

Throughout history, war has driven human progress. It has led to the dissolution of oppressive regimes and the founding of new democratic countries. There is no doubt that the world would not be as it is without the many wars waged in the past.

War is waged to achieve a nation or organization’s goals, but what is the actual cost of progress? War has taken, and continues to take, countless lives. It is and is very costly in terms of resources as well. From the American Revolution to World Wars I and II to the Crusades and Hundred Years’ War of antiquity, wars throughout history have been bloody, brutal, and disastrous. 

If you are writing essays about war, look at our top essay examples below.

1. War Is Not Part of Human Nature by R. Brian Ferguson

2. essay on war and peace (author unknown), 3. the impacts of war on global health by sarah moore.

• 4.  The Psychosocial Impacts of War and Armed Conflict on Children by Iman Farajallah, Omar Reda, H. Steven Moffic, John R. Peteet, and Ahmed Hankir

5. ​​Is war a pre-requisite for peace? by Anna Cleary

5 prompts for essays about war, 1. is war justified, 2. why do countries go to war, 3. the effects of war, 4. moral and ethical issues concerning war, 5. reflecting on a historical war.

“Debate over war and human nature will not soon be resolved. The idea that intensive, high-casualty violence was ubiquitous throughout prehistory has many backers. It has cultural resonance for those who are sure that we as a species naturally tilt toward war. As my mother would say: “Just look at history!” But doves have the upper hand when all the evidence is considered. Broadly, early finds provide little if any evidence suggesting war was a fact of life.”

Ferguson disputes the popular belief that war is inherent to human nature, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. Many archaeologists use the very same evidence to support the opposing view. Evidence reveals many instances where war was waged, but not fought. In the minds of Ferguson and many others, humanity may be predisposed to conflict and violence, but not war, as many believe. 

“It also appears that if peace were to continue for a long period, people would become sick of the monotony of life and would seek war for a changed man is a highly dynamic creature and it seems that he cannot remain contented merely with works of peace-the cultivation of arts, the development of material comforts, the extension of knowledge, the means and appliances of a happy life.”

This essay provides an interesting perspective on war; other than the typical motivations for war, such as the desire to achieve one’s goals; the author writes that war disrupts the monotony of peace and gives participants a sense of excitement and uncertainty. In addition, it instills the spirit of heroism and bravery in people. However, the author does not dispute that war is evil and should be avoided as much as possible. 

“War forces people to flee their homes in search of safety, with the latest figures from the UN estimating that around 70 million people are currently displaced due to war. This displacement can be incredibly detrimental to health, with no safe and consistent place to sleep, wash, and shelter from the elements. It also removes a regular source of food and proper nutrition. As well as impacting physical health, war adversely affects the mental health of both those actively involved in conflict and civilians.”

Moore discusses the side effects that war has on civilians. For example, it diverts resources used on poverty alleviation and infrastructure towards fighting. It also displaces civilians when their homes are destroyed, reduces access to food, water, and sanitation, and can significantly impact mental health, among many other effects. 

4.   The Psychosocial Impacts of War and Armed Conflict on Children by Iman Farajallah, Omar Reda, H. Steven Moffic, John R. Peteet, and Ahmed Hankir

“The damage done by war-related trauma can never be undone. We can, however, help reduce its long-term impacts, which can span generations. When we reach within ourselves to discover our humanity, it allows us to reach out to the innocent children and remind them of their resilience and beauty. Trauma can make or break us as individuals, families, and communities.”

In their essay, the authors explain how war can affect children. Children living in war-torn areas expectedly witness a lot of violence, including the killings of their loved ones. This may lead to the inability to sleep properly, difficulty performing daily functions, and a speech impediment. The authors write that trauma cannot be undone and can ruin a child’s life.  

“The sociologist Charles Tilly has argued that war and the nation state are inextricably linked. War has been crucial for the formation of the nation state, and remains crucial for its continuation. Anthony Giddens similarly views a link between the internal pacification of states and their external violence. It may be that, if we want a durable peace, a peace built on something other than war, we need to consider how to construct societies based on something other than the nation state and its monopoly of violence.”

This essay discusses the irony that war is waged to achieve peace. Many justify war and believe it is inevitable, as the world seems to balance out an era of peace with another war. However, others advocate for total pacifism. Even in relatively peaceful times, organizations and countries have been carrying out “shadow wars” or engaging in conflict without necessarily going into outright war. Cleary cites arguments made that for peace to indeed exist by itself, societies must not be built on the war in the first place. 

Many believe that war is justified by providing a means to peace and prosperity. Do you agree with this statement? If so, to what extent? What would you consider “too much” for war to be unjustified? In your essay, respond to these questions and reflect on the nature and morality of war. 

Wars throughout history have been waged for various reasons, including geographical domination, and disagreement over cultural and religious beliefs. In your essay, discuss some of the reasons different countries go to war, you can look into the belief systems that cause disagreements, oppression of people, and leaders’ desire to conquer geographical land. For an interesting essay, look to history and the reasons why major wars such as WWI and WWII occurred.

In this essay, you can write about war’s effects on participating countries. You can focus on the impact of war on specific sectors, such as healthcare or the economy. In your mind, do they outweigh the benefits? Discuss the positive and negative effects of war in your essay. To create an argumentative essay, you can pick a stance if you are for or against war. Then, argue your case and show how its effects are positive, negative, or both.

Many issues arise when waging war, such as the treatment of civilians as “collateral damage,” keeping secrets from the public, and torturing prisoners. For your essay, choose an issue that may arise when fighting a war and determine whether or not it is genuinely “unforgivable” or “unacceptable.” Are there instances where it is justified? Be sure to examples where this issue has arisen before.

Humans have fought countless wars throughout history. Choose one significant war and briefly explain its causes, major events, and effects. Conduct thorough research into the period of war and the political, social, and economic effects occurred. Discuss these points for a compelling cause and effect essay.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining “what is persuasive writing ?”If you still need help, our guide to grammar and punctuation explains more.

December 2, 2021

Peace Is More Than War’s Absence, and New Research Explains How to Build It

A new project measures ways to promote positive social relations among groups

By Peter T. Coleman , Allegra Chen-Carrel & Vincent Hans Michael Stueber

PeopleImages/Getty Images

Today, the misery of war is all too striking in places such as Syria, Yemen, Tigray, Myanmar and Ukraine. It can come as a surprise to learn that there are scores of sustainably peaceful societies around the world, ranging from indigenous people in the Xingu River Basin in Brazil to countries in the European Union. Learning from these societies, and identifying key drivers of harmony, is a vital process that can help promote world peace.

Unfortunately, our current ability to find these peaceful mechanisms is woefully inadequate. The Global Peace Index (GPI) and its complement the Positive Peace Index (PPI) rank 163 nations annually and are currently the leading measures of peacefulness. The GPI, launched in 2007 by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), was designed to measure negative peace , or the absence of violence, destructive conflict, and war. But peace is more than not fighting. The PPI, launched in 2009, was supposed to recognize this and track positive peace , or the promotion of peacefulness through positive interactions like civility, cooperation and care.

Yet the PPI still has many serious drawbacks. To begin with, it continues to emphasize negative peace, despite its name. The components of the PPI were selected and are weighted based on existing national indicators that showed the “strongest correlation with the GPI,” suggesting they are in effect mostly an extension of the GPI. For example, the PPI currently includes measures of factors such as group grievances, dissemination of false information, hostility to foreigners, and bribes.

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The index also lacks an empirical understanding of positive peace. The PPI report claims that it focuses on “positive aspects that create the conditions for a society to flourish.” However, there is little indication of how these aspects were derived (other than their relationships with the GPI). For example, access to the internet is currently a heavily weighted indicator in the PPI. But peace existed long before the internet, so is the number of people who can go online really a valid measure of harmony?

The PPI has a strong probusiness bias, too. Its 2021 report posits that positive peace “is a cross-cutting facilitator of progress, making it easier for businesses to sell.” A prior analysis of the PPI found that almost half the indicators were directly related to the idea of a “Peace Industry,” with less of a focus on factors found to be central to positive peace such as gender inclusiveness, equity and harmony between identity groups.

A big problem is that the index is limited to a top-down, national-level approach. The PPI’s reliance on national-level metrics masks critical differences in community-level peacefulness within nations, and these provide a much more nuanced picture of societal peace . Aggregating peace data at the national level, such as focusing on overall levels of inequality rather than on disparities along specific group divides, can hide negative repercussions of the status quo for minority communities.

To fix these deficiencies, we and our colleagues have been developing an alternative approach under the umbrella of the Sustaining Peace Project . Our effort has various components , and these can provide a way to solve the problems in the current indices. Here are some of the elements:

Evidence-based factors that measure positive and negative peace. The peace project began with a comprehensive review of the empirical studies on peaceful societies, which resulted in identifying 72 variables associated with sustaining peace. Next, we conducted an analysis of ethnographic and case study data comparing “peace systems,” or clusters of societies that maintain peace with one another, with nonpeace systems. This allowed us to identify and measure a set of eight core drivers of peace. These include the prevalence of an overarching social identity among neighboring groups and societies; their interconnections such as through trade or intermarriage; the degree to which they are interdependent upon one another in terms of ecological, economic or security concerns; the extent to which their norms and core values support peace or war; the role that rituals, symbols and ceremonies play in either uniting or dividing societies; the degree to which superordinate institutions exist that span neighboring communities; whether intergroup mechanisms for conflict management and resolution exist; and the presence of political leadership for peace versus war.

A core theory of sustaining peace . We have also worked with a broad group of peace, conflict and sustainability scholars to conceptualize how these many variables operate as a complex system by mapping their relationships in a causal loop diagram and then mathematically modeling their core dynamics This has allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of how different constellations of factors can combine to affect the probabilities of sustaining peace.

Bottom-up and top-down assessments . Currently, the Sustaining Peace Project is applying techniques such as natural language processing and machine learning to study markers of peace and conflict speech in the news media. Our preliminary research suggests that linguistic features may be able to distinguish between more and less peaceful societies. These methods offer the potential for new metrics that can be used for more granular analyses than national surveys.

We have also been working with local researchers from peaceful societies to conduct interviews and focus groups to better understand the in situ dynamics they believe contribute to sustaining peace in their communities. For example in Mauritius , a highly multiethnic society that is today one of the most peaceful nations in Africa, we learned of the particular importance of factors like formally addressing legacies of slavery and indentured servitude, taboos against proselytizing outsiders about one’s religion, and conscious efforts by journalists to avoid divisive and inflammatory language in their reporting.

Today, global indices drive funding and program decisions that impact countless lives, making it critical to accurately measure what contributes to socially just, safe and thriving societies. These indices are widely reported in news outlets around the globe, and heads of state often reference them for their own purposes. For example, in 2017 , Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, though he and his country were mired in corruption allegations, referenced his country’s positive increase on the GPI by stating, “Receiving such high praise from an institute that once named this country the most violent in the world is extremely significant.” Although a 2019 report on funding for peace-related projects shows an encouraging shift towards supporting positive peace and building resilient societies, many of these projects are really more about preventing harm, such as grants for bolstering national security and enhancing the rule of law.

The Sustaining Peace Project, in contrast, includes metrics for both positive and negative peace, is enhanced by local community expertise, and is conceptually coherent and based on empirical findings. It encourages policy makers and researchers to refocus attention and resources on initiatives that actually promote harmony, social health and positive reciprocity between groups. It moves away from indices that rank entire countries and instead focuses on identifying factors that, through their interaction, bolster or reduce the likelihood of sustaining peace. It is a holistic perspective.  

Tracking peacefulness across the globe is a highly challenging endeavor. But there is great potential in cooperation between peaceful communities, researchers and policy makers to produce better methods and metrics. Measuring peace is simply too important to get only half-right. 

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Thinking about world peace.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 March 2020

For as long as humans have fought wars, we have been beguiled and frustrated by the prospect of world peace. Only a very few of us today believe that world peace is possible. Indeed, the very mention of the term “world peace” raises incredulity. In contrast, as part of the roundtable “World Peace (And How We Can Achieve It),” this essay makes the case for taking world peace more seriously. It argues that world peace is possible, though neither inevitable nor irreversible. World peace, I argue, is something that every generation must strive for, because the ideas, social structures, and practices that make war possible are likely to remain with us. The essay proceeds in three parts. First, I briefly set out what I mean by peace and world peace. Second, I explain why I think that world peace is possible. Third, I examine how the world might be nudged in a more peaceful direction.

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I am very grateful to A. C. Grayling, Pamina Firchow, Nils Petter Gleditsch, Jacqui True, and the editors of Ethics & International Affairs for their thoughts and feedback, which have contributed immensely to the ideas presented here.

1 Sontag , Susan , Regarding the Pain of Others ( London : Picador , 2004 ) Google Scholar .

2 See, for instance, Biggar , Nigel , In Defence of War ( Oxford : Oxford University Press , 2014 ), p. 1 Google Scholar ; and Coker , Christopher , Can War Be Eliminated? ( Cambridge, U.K. : Polity ) Google Scholar , p. 97.

3 This is one of the principal messages delivered by Margaret MacMillan in her 2018 series of Reith Lectures (Margaret MacMillan, Reith Lectures, 2018, radio broadcast, BBC Radio 4, www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9/episodes/player ). Also see Margaret MacMillan, “It Would Be Stupid to Think We Have Moved on from War: Look Around,” Guardian , June 24, 2018.

4 This essay draws on arguments advanced in my book World Peace (And How We Can Achieve It) (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019).

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13 The Arms Trade Treaty entered into force on December 24, 2014. At the time of writing (December 2019), the treaty had 130 signatories and 104 parties.

14 Collier , Paul , Elliott , V. L. , Hegre , Håvard , Hoeffler , Anke , Reynal-Querol , Marta , and Sambanis , Nicholas , Breaking the Conflict Trap: Civil War and Development Policy ( Washington, D.C. : World Bank , 2003 ), p. 13 Google Scholar .

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• Volume 34, Issue 1
• Alex J. Bellamy
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0892679420000027

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