Is war obsolete?

War has been part of the human condition since the history of humans began. As wartime strategies and practices evolve, the cost of war in terms of human life and economic, political and cultural costs argue strongly that it is far past time for humanity to declare an end to war as part of the human condition.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the present invasion of Ukraine by Russia under orders from President Putin, whose pretexts for the invasion are not supported by facts. The interrelated nature of the modern world strongly suggests that war just does not make any sense: rationally, economically, politically or culturally.

The culture and the lives of over 44 million people in Ukraine, 144 million people in Russia and millions of people in countries surrounding the region have been tragically and uncompromisingly affected. Bomb, missile and rocket attacks have struck urban areas, killing innocent civilians including the elderly and children. There have been many Russian deaths.

The cost of Putin’s invasion on Russia and its people is also staggering. The Russian economy, stock markets, the value of its currency – in short, every economic and political measure – has plunged.

One report said the Russian stock market lost 40% of its value. At that point, the exchange was closed to prevent a total meltdown. The Russian ruble was down 30%. And, the interest rate in Russia rose to 20%. The economic toll on the Russian citizen is heavy and will continue indefinitely.

 Almost the entire civilized world has risen in opposition to this war. Russian banks have been denied access to the world banking system; Russian planes have been banned from the air space of dozens of nations. Putin has become a pariah.

The cost of waging war is no longer a viable option for modern economies, and, typically, long wars are not supported by the civilian populations as months become years.

Is war by opposing armies with clear battlefields obsolete? I think so. And, in my opinion, it is a millennia too late.

Humanity’s major agenda should be to put an end to war and turn its attention to the long list of critical factors that face the human race, including overpopulation, global warming, a highly complex and rapidly changing world economy, and the looming tragedies posed by wealth inequities.

Now, more than ever, “No more war!” should be the clarion call for every single responsible citizen in all of the countries of the modern world.

– Hal Mansfield, emeritus professor, Fort Lewis College