Posted: September 4th, 2023

In the tumultuous landscape of the twentieth century, war and peace

No, it is not about Leo Tolstoy’s classic work entitled War and Peace, published in 1869. Instead, it is about those inseparable twins that have dogged the history of human society and that pervaded the entirety of the twentieth century—war and peace. Worldwide, peace has been more desired than war. However, many world leaders talk of peace but prepare for war. Moreover, if Spinoza (1670) must be believed, “peace is not an absence of war.” Millions are faced with innumerable crises and social injustices daily. For this discussion we will limit ourselves to the twentieth century which witnessed human endurance and resilience in the face of unmitigated carnage of world wars, genocide, and the fear of nuclear annihilation. The same century also witnessed peace efforts that culminated in the establishment of the League of Nations, the United Nations, and innumerable regional and national organizations that sought freedom, justice and civil rights for millions of oppressed peoples. Your task here is to discuss war and peace in the context of the themes we are covering during these final weeks of the course. These themes are imperialism and colonial control, nationalism, World Wars I and II, economic depression, the Cold War, decolonization and neocolonialism, globalization and technological advancements. What caused many of the twentieth century wars? Why were many conflicts intractable? Even where no shots were fired, why do people feel like they are in a battle daily? What “battles” are people fighting daily, even when they live in so-called peace times? How did the popular media, music, and the arts contribute to the search for peace? How did economic and political inequalities affect conflict and their resolution? What lessons can societies learn from local, national, and global conflicts of the twentieth century?

Your original post must be backed by at least one scholarly citation. Our textbook is good but I prefer something beside the textbook. Start with chapters 33-38 of our text. Your reflections on your readings may form the basis of your post. Citations are required and should be in Chicago Style or APA; be consistent whichever style you use.

Have fun with this discussion and don’t forget the requirements repeated below. The requirements are the same as in other discussions in the course. They are repeated below.

a. Original post: length: 200 words maximum; please add citation/reference(s). References are not included in the word count.

In the tumultuous landscape of the twentieth century, war and peace emerged as inseparable twins, leaving an indelible mark on human society. Despite the yearning for peace being widespread, world leaders often resorted to preparations for war, reflecting the complex nature of global relations and political ambitions. Spinoza’s insight that “peace is not an absence of war” underscores the multifaceted dimensions of peace and the persistent existence of crises and social injustices. The events of the twentieth century bear testament to humanity’s endurance in the face of unprecedented challenges, such as world wars, genocide, and the looming threat of nuclear devastation.

The themes central to our discussion during these concluding weeks of the course—imperialism and colonial control, nationalism, World Wars I and II, economic depression, the Cold War, decolonization and neocolonialism, globalization, and technological advancements—all played pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of conflicts and attempts to establish lasting peace.

The causes of numerous twentieth-century wars were intricate, stemming from territorial disputes, nationalist aspirations, economic rivalries, and ideological differences. Many of these conflicts proved intractable due to the entrenchment of opposing interests and the perceived zero-sum nature of negotiations. Even in periods where no overt hostilities occurred, the daily struggles of individuals persisted, reflecting the internal battles against injustices, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities that remain prevalent even in times of relative peace.

In the pursuit of peace, the popular media, music, and arts emerged as powerful tools that contributed to the discourse on peace, advocating for understanding, empathy, and cooperation between nations. These forms of expression transcended borders, fostering a sense of global unity and shared aspirations for a harmonious world.

Economic and political inequalities, both within and between nations, have been significant factors influencing the emergence and resolution of conflicts. The disparity in resources and opportunities fueled discontent, leading to revolutionary movements and independence struggles that sought to address systemic injustices.

The twentieth century offers invaluable lessons for societies today, encouraging them to prioritize diplomacy, peaceful negotiation, and collaboration on the global stage. By studying the successes and failures of various conflict resolutions, societies can learn the importance of addressing underlying grievances, promoting human rights, and embracing diversity to foster lasting peace.

In conclusion, the twentieth century’s history of war and peace serves as a profound reflection of human endeavors and resilience. It exemplifies the complexities of global relations, the struggles for justice, and the quest for lasting harmony. Through a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing conflicts and peace efforts, societies can equip themselves to navigate the challenges of the present and future while striving for a more peaceful and just world.

Reference:
Spinoza, B. (1670). Ethics. Translated by E. Curley. Penguin Classics.

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