English
By Anastasia Milopoulou, Analyst KEDISA
According to the Prussian General Carl Von Clausewitz, ‘War is nothing but a continuation of politics with the admixture of other means’ (Clausewitz,1832). From the Peloponnesian War in 431BC to the Syrian Civil war in 2011, it can be interpreted that the concept of human conflict emerges as a timeless and constantly repeated phenomenon that mainly stems from the unequal distribution of power among specific territories and states. Armed conflict has been accompanying the political culture for over five thousand years of history, that is, since people were first organized into political groups, began setting mutual goals, and created socio-political standards for maintaining their internal order and defending themselves against external threats. Prior to answering whether violent conflict is inevitable in today’s contemporary world politics or not, it is crucial to initially explore its nature, distinguish its different forms and roles, and gain a solid understanding as to the ramifications and the conditions of modern conflict.
