Wars

Wars are organized armed conflicts between political communities, such as states or nonstate groups, in which violence is planned, sustained, and directed toward political aims. They typically involve armies, militias, and external actors, and can vary in scale from regional clashes to global wars. The term encompasses interstate wars, civil wars, and internationalized conflicts.

Causes are diverse and often intertwined. They include competition for territory or resources, security dilemmas, ideological or religious differences, and shocks such as economic crisis or political collapse. Escalation is frequently shaped by misperception, alliance commitments, and mobilization dynamics that create incentives to fight rather than negotiate.

Common types include interstate wars between governments, civil wars within a state, and internationalized conflicts with external intervention. Modern conflicts may involve proxy actors, guerrilla warfare, or cyber operations, and can be limited in scope or prolonged and total in intensity and duration.

The human and material costs are immense. Wars cause casualties, mass displacement, and humanitarian emergencies, as well as long-lasting damage to infrastructure, economies, and social institutions. Postwar periods often involve demobilization, reconstruction, governance reform, and reconciliation processes, alongside efforts to address accountability and memory.

International law seeks to regulate armed conflict and protect noncombatants. Treaties such as the Geneva Conventions outline rules for civilian protections, prisoners of war, and humane treatment. Peace is typically pursued through diplomacy, ceasefires, peace agreements, and international cooperation to rebuild infrastructure, institutions, and governance.