Question

Some scholars argue that there should always be an agreement that makes both sides in a conflict better off reaching an agreement than going to war. Based upon our discussion in class, what is the primary reason why war still occurs even if this logic is true?

Answer 1

War occurs despite the logic of mutually beneficial agreements due to scarcity, political ambitions, fears of weakness, political consequences, and the difficulty of acknowledging sunk costs. Negotiations can fail due to strategic deceptions and cognitive biases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason why war still occurs, even when it seems logical to reach agreements that make both sides better off, is due to complex factors like scarcity of resources, differing political ambitions, and cognitive biases that impact decision-making during conflicts. The desire for scarce resources, such as clean air, potable water, and territory with specific advantages, often leads to conflict. Political leaders may also refuse to end wars due to fears of appearing weak, beliefs in eventual victory, or concerns about political repercussions, such as the growth of opposition parties. Furthermore, once a war has started, the sunk costs of the conflict can cloud judgments, making it harder for leaders to justify peace without achieving their initially stated objectives, which could include defending national interests or deterring future aggression.

Negotiations and political bargaining are common methods to resolve conflicts, but these can fail when leaders believe that war is the only way to protect their interests or when peace talks are used as strategies for further military advantages. Additionally, cognitive biases like overestimating one's chances of success or underestimating the enemy can lead to continued warfare, despite potential agreements that could benefit all parties involved.

Answer 2

War still occurs despite the potential benefits of reaching an agreement due to scarcity and competition, political and ideological differences, and economic interests.

Step-by-step explanation:

War still occurs despite the logic that both sides in a conflict can be better off reaching an agreement than going to war. This is primarily due to several reasons:

• Scarcity and competition: Conflict arises when there is a scarcity of resources and competition for them. Whether it's access to clean air, water, food, or other necessities, the desire for these limited resources can lead to conflict.
• Political and ideological differences: Political and ideological disagreements can fuel conflicts. When parties hold opposing views and are unwilling to compromise, war may be seen as the only way to address those differences.
• Economic interests: War can be driven by economic factors such as control over valuable resources, trade routes, or economic dominance. When economic interests are at stake, parties may resort to war to protect or expand their economic power.

These factors, among others, contribute to the occurrence of war despite the potential benefits of reaching an agreement.