Character of the 21st Century; War –prone
Introduction
Peaceful, chaotic and war prone are among the perfect descriptions for characters in diverse centuries. There are numerous likelihoods that the character of the 21st century is war prone. Several factors are attributable to the above allegation of a war prone 21st century. A notable increase in the countries that wish to display their absolute power proves this allegation. The creation of powerful ammunition that facilitates tough wars equally contributes to the likelihood of a war prone 21st century. International systems seem to encourage conflicts among countries. Experts in international relations matters confirm the war prone nature of the century. Such experts include Mearsheimer and Walt while others like Steel disagrees on the possibility of war in the 21st century. The existence of a changing civilization provides clear explications of current occurrences in the current IR sphere.
The Need For Unnecessary Power
The increment of power hungry nations encourages the 21st century to be war prone. According to Walt, America is among such countries that appreciate excessive power while relating to other international countries.
“They understood, as did most Americans, that primacy brought important benefits.
It made other states less likely to threaten America or its vital interests directly.”
(Walt)
Tang also suggests that several nations are afraid of other nations and in turn increasing conflict among them. In his article, he posits that the existing relations between countries are unhealthy. All countries wish to be more powerful than their respective neighbors are. He also states in the article that it is unlikely that certain countries can have peaceful co-existence.
The allegations of the above writers prove that the 21st century will heighten its war prone characteristics. Unless the international community establishes policies that will reduce extreme need for countries to be powerful, war will prevail. The authors also predict that there are significant problems with the current existence of international countries. This makes it difficult for anyone to reduce chances of war in the 21st century. The conflicts also allow countries to create unsuitable relations as long as they become the most powerful. Governments have no interests in ensuring there is an exemplary peaceful existence. It is fundamental for people to realize that there can only be a significant reduction in war if governments are willing to eradicate unnecessary conflicts. The display of the above willingness is through such efforts as minimizing exposure to ammunition.
Presence Of Ammunition
Countries own extremely powerful ammunition that promotes their willingness to fight with other countries. Countries ensure they are powerful through all possible means. Such countries have a conviction that they can never be safe from their respective neighbors. This encourages them to identify ammunition that will prepare them even for the worst of wars.
“ …states can never be certain about other states intentions. Specifically, no state can
be sure that another state will not use its offensive military capability to attack the
first state.” Mearsheimer.
The character of the 21st century will not stop being probe to war with the presence of ammunition. Wars only flourish with the existence of efficient weapons. This suggests that a notable reduction in this character of the 21st century will depend on how countries expose themselves to weapons. The entire international community should appreciate that weapons are unnecessary. They do not need to have these weapons. The presence of weapons increases their preparedness to any war that might arise. If they maintain peaceful co-existence, it will be needless to own such dangerous weapons. Countries also need to reduce the value they attach to their respective political autonomies. This ensures that the 21st century experiences minimal conflicts and registers other significant developments in respective countries. It is fundamental that the 21st century realizes power does not determine their growth. This implies that these 21st century nations should create systems that do not promote conflicts.
War Prone International Systems
Several international systems compel 21st century nations to be prone to war. According to (Tang) countries feel they need to satisfy certain expectations regardless of their will. He also suggests that countries, which engage in war, get their motivations from existing international systems. These systems force these countries to defend their significant possessions.
“structural realism logic, because there is no central authority to enforce benign
behavior (or cooperation) and intentions can change, states must fear the possibility
that other may intend to do harm.”Tang.
Almost every existing policy that guides international relations seems to encourage these nations to be prone to war. America counts among these countries because of the power that it already has. International systems force the US to engage in extreme protective measures of its nuclear power and other aspects that strengthens its existence.
“When a state stands alone at the pinnacle of power, however, there is nowhere to go
but down. And so Americans have repeatedly worried about the possibility of
decline—even when the prospect was remote.” Walt
There needs to be alteration in some policies that encourage countries to be prone to war. The inspiration of creating any international policies should be to promote peace. Countries must also cooperate in eradicating any international systems that expose them to war. Exist such systems in any international environments do not need to exist. If possible, these countries can equally cooperate in eradicating these ineffective policies. The countries need to feel any force that promotes conflict instead of peace. The 1st century nations must also ensure that they register full participation in any avenue that seems to create these undesirable policies. There should be complete prohibition of such aspects as the ownership of nuclear facilities. Countries that own most nuclear facilities assume unnecessary power that makes them increase vulnerability to war in the 21st century. International systems must promote admirable existence in nations across the globe. The systems must not favor any aspect of war.
Conclusion
The character of the 21st century is prone to war, but it dies indicate that there are applicable solutions. International relation experts need to launch campaigns that offer relevant advice to countries. Some of this advice could such facts as the irrelevance of power for the countries. When countries realize that they do not need to display certain levels of power, there will be minimal chances of war. A deliberate disregard to ineffective international l systems will protect 21st century countries to war proneness. There are possibilities that the above solutions might guarantee reduction in the proneness to war. This does not mean that the international community must not attempt. There must be attempts to protect 21st century countries from war.
Works cited
Jackson, Robert. Classical and Modern Thought on International Relations. International Thought 2005.p 1-16
Measheim, J. Strategies for Survival. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. P138
Raffo,V et al. International Law and International Relations Law and Politics after that Cold War. 2007. p 1-24
Steel, J.Liberal-Idealism: A Constructivist Critique International Studies Review
Tang, S. Fear in International Politics: Two Positions International Studies Association.2008. p450-453
Walt, S. The end of An American Era. The National Interest,2011 p1-12
