Final answer:
Violent conflict and warfare have been intrinsic to human societies, driven by protective instincts, wealth gain, and autonomy. Early Mesopotamian city-states, primeval societies, and historical political conflicts demonstrate this recurring theme, which continues to be influenced today by factors like the illegal arms trade and drug trafficking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Violent conflict and warfare have been present between groups throughout human history. With the establishment of early cities in Mesopotamia, organized violence escalated as these cities either formed in response to attacks by nomadic peoples or conversely, their wealth attracted attacks from outsiders. In primal societies, while some hunter-gatherer bands lived peacefully, others engaged in mortal conflict. Variations in local ecological conditions also fueled the cause of conflict, with competition for scarce resources playing a central role.
Looking at historical events like the Viking raids for loot and the French Revolution, it's evident that political conflicts were often driven by the desire to protect or gain territory, wealth, and autonomy. In more recent times, issues like the illegal arms trade and drug trafficking have also contributed to an increase in violence. Additionally, the impact of warfare on the societies in Africa presented a pattern where wars weakened governments and social control networks, resulting in population loss and diminished production capacities.