Why war cannot be the answer

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/anti-ukraine-war-street-art/31844250.html

Both India and Pakistan harbour cultures of violence which seek to glorify war and hostility. In this article, we explore the damage that wars and cultures of violence do.

War leads to the loss of countless lives, both military personnel and innocent civilians. It causes immense suffering, pain, and destruction. Glorifying war ignores the human cost and trivializes the profound tragedy of death and injury that occurs during armed conflicts.

“War does not determine who is right, only who is left“

Bertrand Russel

War leads to destruction of infrastructure. War ravages countries and communities, destroying infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. It displaces millions of people, causing immense social and economic upheaval. Celebrating war disregards the long-lasting consequences and the immense efforts required to rebuild shattered societies.

There is then the endless cycle of war and conflict. Violence begets violence. Glorifying war perpetuates a culture of violence and conflict, making it more likely for disputes to be resolved through military means rather than peaceful negotiation. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of escalating violence and further conflicts.

The economic cost to sustain wars is incredibly expensive. War is an economic burden. Resources that could be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social welfare are diverted to military expenditures. The economic burden of war can have long-term negative effects on a country’s stability and development.

War also has profound psychological and emotional effects on individuals who experience it directly or indirectly. It causes trauma, PTSD, and other mental health issues that can last for years or even generations. Glorifying war disregards the psychological toll it takes on individuals and communities.

Source: https://images.artsmia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06111901/CyThao_Web-1200×800.jpg

War also dismisses rational approach. When war is glorified, the focus shifts away from peaceful resolutions and diplomatic efforts. It hampers the development of non-violent conflict resolution strategies and undermines efforts for dialogue and negotiation. Promoting peaceful solutions is essential for long-term stability and global cooperation.

Moreover, celebrating war raises ethical concerns. It can glorify acts of aggression, violence, and the dehumanization of others. War often involves acts that violate human rights and international humanitarian law. Glorification overlooks the ethical implications and undermines the importance of upholding human dignity and respect for all individuals.

Instead of glorifying war, it is essential to promote dialogue, understanding, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution. By focusing on these aspects, we can strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy, negotiation, and respect for human rights, ultimately fostering a more peaceful and just society.