What is the Resource Curse and How Can Natural Resources Lead to Violence?
This analysis highlights the various theories linking resources to conflict. Two major perspectives stand out: (1) a surplus or a lack of natural resources can directly lead to violent conflict; and (2) there is no connection between resources and conflict. Below, the author highlights three common triggers that maintain the … Read more
Cell Phones and Violent Conflict
Violent conflict is much more common in areas with low-tech communication capabilities (characterized by fewer than 34 landlines per 100 people).
Democracies, Domestic Politics, and War
Increasing the number of democracies in the world does not affect the number of wars until democracies reach 60% of the global governments.
Fueling Conflict. The Link Between Oil and Foreign Military Intervention in Civil Wars
This article addresses the long-assumed connection between civil war nations’ oil capacity and the likelihood of third-party intervention. The research shows that third-party intervention is up to 100 times more likely when a) the country at war has large reserves of oil; or b) the foreign intervener has a higher … Read more
Quality of Life Impacts Individuals’ Willingness to Take Up Arms
When people experience higher life opportunity, they become less willing to give their lives in service to their countries’ wars.
Proven Decline in Public Support for War When the Alternatives Come to Light
When aware of nonviolent alternatives to war, people believe the price of war is too high and are less likely to tolerate casualties and to support wa
Wars are not fought for peace and democracy
The Myth Wars are for peace & democracy Debunk Wars for democracy are unsuccessful. The US has a long history or invading and occupying others. War is more likely to happen when there is oil. Forcing democracies does not work. Wars brew hatred and violence in the aftermath. Wars are … Read more
War is not the last resort
The Myth War is the last resort Debunk People assume and expect that decisions to use force are made when no other options exist. No war can satisfy the conditions of absolute last resort. There always are many good, nonviolent alternatives. The price of war is too high, when people … Read more
War is not part of human nature
The Myth Humans will always go to war Debunk War has not always been around, humans invented war. Most of the time in human history we did not wage wars. It’s not in our genes. We have to be trained to be able to kill. War does not break out. … Read more
