Summary of "Gwynne Dyer: Is war embedded in human nature? | ABC Conversations Podcast"
Podcast Summary
In the podcast "Gwynne Dyer: Is war embedded in human nature?" hosted by ABC Conversations, historian and commentator Gwynne Dyer discusses the nature of war and its relationship with human behavior, referencing the philosophical views of Thomas Hobbes who posited that war is the natural state of humanity. Dyer argues that while war has historically been viewed as an inherent part of human nature, the global trend since World War II has shown a significant decline in both the number of wars and casualties. He notes that no great power has engaged in direct conflict for 75 years, marking a historical low.
Dyer provides insights into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the unexpected collapse of the Russian military's initial invasion plan and the challenges faced by both sides. He emphasizes that decisions regarding the war's outcome ultimately lie with the Ukrainians, who must weigh the costs of reclaiming territory against potential losses and the risk of nuclear escalation.
The discussion also delves into the historical perspective of war, including the role of alpha males in hunter-gatherer societies and the emergence of egalitarian decision-making structures among early humans. Dyer contrasts this with the hierarchical military structures that developed with the advent of agriculture and the establishment of states, leading to the formation of armies and officer classes.
Dyer explores the psychological aspects of warfare, including soldiers' reluctance to kill, and the evolution of military training to address this issue. He discusses the impact of drone warfare on the ethics of combat, noting that it detaches the operator from the immediate consequences of their actions, which could lead to moral dilemmas.
Finally, Dyer expresses cautious optimism about the future of warfare, suggesting that while the potential for conflict remains, the global understanding of the catastrophic consequences of large-scale wars, especially nuclear ones, has created a deterrent effect. He believes that humanity is in a process of moving away from traditional state warfare, although political violence will likely persist in various forms.
Presenters/Contributors
- Gwynne Dyer
- Richard Fidler (host)
Category
News and Commentary
