Vijay Hashia
Throughout human history, wars and conflicts have emerged time and again resulting in trails of destruction, trauma, and long-lasting instability. The causes are complex, competition for resources, political power struggles, territorial disputes, ideological clashes, and nationalist ambitions. Also, religious divisions, terrorism, ethnic tensions, colonial ambitions, revenge, self-defense, and, often, failures in negotiation and diplomacy et al. Yet despite recurring wars and conflicts, the consequences of war have been almost universally devastating.
In every era, war has inflicted untold human suffering: death, destruction, the collapse of institutions, mass displacements, psychological trauma, and economic hardships. Generations are scarred by violence, and communities often never fully recover from the damage inflicted by prolonged conflicts. These impacts stretch far beyond the battlefield, affecting the mental health, livelihoods, and future prospects of civilians.
During the recent India-Pakistan standoff, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly stated, “This is not an era of war.” Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy over conflict, he conveyed a similar message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that war is not the answer and that meaningful dialogue is the only path to lasting peace. “I know that war cannot solve problems. Peace cannot prevail amidst bombs, guns, and bullets. We must find a way forward through dialogue,” he asserted. In his conversation with the Iranian President as well, PM Modi expressed deep concern over escalating tensions and urged for immediate de-escalation through diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue.
Philosophers throughout the centuries have debated the morality and inevitability of war. Thomas Hobbes viewed conflict as an intrinsic part of human nature, believing that without strong authority, chaos and violence would prevail. In contrast, thinkers like Immanuel Kant believed that although war may seem unavoidable, it could ultimately push humanity towards a more rational, cooperative, and peaceful world order. Kant’s vision in perpetual peace promoted the idea of federations and treaties as means to end the cycle of war. The “Just War Theory,” a longstanding philosophical tradition, has also sought to establish conditions under which war might be morally justified, requiring just cause, proportionality, and intention. Yet even this theory acknowledges the moral weight and danger that war inherently carries.
Despite such philosophical reflections, the reality on the ground remains dire. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the world is currently experiencing the highest number of active conflicts since World War II, with 56 conflicts ongoing. As of the latest data, 92 countries are involved in conflicts beyond their borders. In 2023 alone, conflict-related deaths reached 1,62,000, the second-highest death toll in 30 years. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza were responsible for nearly three-quarters of these deaths. Ukraine recorded over 83,000 deaths, while Palestine saw approximately over 57,800 fatalities. If this rate continues, 2025 will mark the deadliest year since the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
Beyond the human toll, the economic cost of violence is staggering. In 2023, the global economic impact of violence was estimated at $19.1 trillion, equivalent to $ 2,380 per person. This represents a $ 158 billion increase from the previous year, largely due to a 20% surge in GDP losses from ongoing conflicts. In 2024, this figure rose further to approximately $19.5 trillion, driven by escalating conflict zones and rising defense budgets. By 2025, the cost is projected to reach $20.1 trillion, or over $2,470 per person, reflecting not only ongoing wars but also the long-term impact of internal violence and crime. By contrast, global expenditure on peacekeeping and peace building stood at only $49.6 billion in 2023, increased marginally to $ 51.2 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $ 53 billion in 2025, still less than 0.6% of total military spending. These numbers highlight a global imbalance: while massive funds are poured into weapons and warfare, only a fraction is invested in securing peace.
The increase in regional conflicts, such as those in Ethiopia, Gaza, and Ukraine, is particularly concerning. These conflicts not only result in immediate destruction but also increase the risk of larger, more widespread wars in the future. The steep fall in global peacefulness in recent years, driven largely by these regional wars and is a grim reminder of how quickly violence spreads and destabilizes entire regions.
War between nations inevitably brings widespread death, displacement, material destruction and long-term physical and psychological trauma. It disrupts education, healthcare, economies, and food systems. The environmental damages are: deforestation, water pollution, destruction of agriculture, and climate degradation that further harms communities and future generations.
So, the big question remains, “Do wars solve anything?”
If the goal is justice, progress, peace, or development, then history clearly shows that war is not the solution. Military victories may bring short-term strategic gains, but they rarely address the root causes of conflict. Instead, wars often breed future resentment, cycles of revenge, and the hardening of divisions. True resolution can only come from addressing the grievances through open dialogue, mutual respect, cooperation, and diplomacy. Today, the world peace is not a utopian dream, it is an urgent necessity.
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