Final answer:
The root problem of human conflict often stems from the human nature dictating selfishness, desire for property, and the need to preserve liberty and autonomy. Historical evidence shows that even before modern governments, political conflicts over wealth and territory were common. Despite changing contexts, the fundamental causes of conflicts remain largely the same throughout history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root problem of all human conflict has been a topic of interest and discussion throughout human history. Various factors contribute to conflicts, including political, economic, religious, and territorial reasons. Governments formed initially to protect people from these conflicts and ensure law and order.
Over time, the motivations behind conflicts have evolved but often derive from a combination of human nature's drive for selfishness, the desire for property, and the need to preserve autonomy and liberty. Renowned figures like Karl Marx have suggested that the concept of 'property' may foster selfishness and greed. In contrast, other interpretations, such as the biblical stance, suggest that the 'love of money' leads to many evils, linking money and greed to historical issues like slavery and ongoing societal conflicts.
Political conflicts have existed even before the establishment of modern nation-states, exemplified by Viking raids and the colonization efforts of European powers over indigenous lands. These conflicts were, and continue to be, primarily driven by the basic human desires to protect or gain territory and wealth, and the need to secure liberty.
Across history, the transmission of hatred and cultural superiority has also been pivotal in fostering ongoing hostility between groups distinguished by religion, language, or ethnicity. As such, while the manifestations of conflict may have varied considerably over the course of history, the fundamental causes remain largely consistent.