Chris Blattman on the five reasons wars happen

Abstract

Chris Blattman argues that social scientists have generated five cogent models of when war can be ‘rational’ for both sides of a conflict:

Unchecked interests — such as national leaders who bear few of the costs of launching a war. Intangible incentives — such as an intrinsic desire for revenge. Uncertainty — such as both sides underestimating each other’s resolve to fight. Commitment problems — such as the inability to credibly promise not to use your growing military might to attack others in future. Misperceptions — such as our inability to see the world through other people’s eyes.