Intelligence Squared Why We Fight, with Christopher Blattman
Jun 27, 2022
Christopher Blattman, an economist and political scientist at the University of Chicago, shares insights from his book on the roots of war and peace. He discusses how poverty and oppression fuel conflict while exploring humanity's innate push for peace amidst global crises. Blattman delves into the complex dynamics of negotiations in conflict situations, particularly looking at the Ukraine-Russia tensions. He emphasizes the crucial role of understanding local motivations and how criminal groups can unexpectedly drive stability in communities impacted by violence.
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Misperceptions and Uncertainty
- Misperceptions and uncertainty go hand-in-hand in conflict.
- Uncertainty about adversaries' strengths and resolve makes war a gamble.
Commitment Problems
- Commitment problems hinder peace deals because sides distrust each other's reliability.
- This makes it hard to end wars, as seen in Ukraine.
Intangible Incentives
- Intangible incentives, like personal glory or national pride, can motivate war.
- Leaders might see war as the last resort to achieve these intangible goals.
