Archer 007
Rebirth
Ive seen this come up many times before, but never a specific thread on it. Now is the time. 
Is money ornd resources the root cause of war?
- Thread starter Archer 007
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Perfection
The Great Head.
Nice ornd use
And it is, there would be no interest in the mid-east if there was no oil, it would be just like Africa!
And it is, there would be no interest in the mid-east if there was no oil, it would be just like Africa!
Torakami_Bltzen
Pigasus
Depends on how advanced a society is... The more primitive, the more wars are probably focused on religion, more advanced societies are definitly more geared towards economic gain.
Usually. But sometimes I just wanna kick the bastages out so I have the continent to myself. And if it's the Celts, French or Inca I just can't resist beating them down.
Oh, you mean the real world
It really depends on how you look at things. The stated/popular reasons for war won't always be those, but in the end a war will almost alway benefit the victor monetarily or with resources.
Oh, you mean the real world
It really depends on how you look at things. The stated/popular reasons for war won't always be those, but in the end a war will almost alway benefit the victor monetarily or with resources.
Archer 007
Rebirth
How so?
Which "primitive societies" fought for other reasons?
Which "primitive societies" fought for other reasons?
Torakami_Bltzen
Pigasus
I sortof used the wrong words when I said primitive societies. I meant in the past, more wars were in the name of religion. There are still wars that are based on a fundamental difference in believe structure. Israelis vs. Palistinians for example. Now I know that there are assuredly economic benefits for whoever "wins" the ongoing struggle between the two, but I think it is also deeper than that. These people have been warring for almost 2000 years on and off. War is for more than economic gain in a situation like that.
Another current example would be the Catholics and the Protestants in Ireland. Adolf Hitler, although he certainly had substantial economic reasons for conquering the world, had more sinister goals than just economic gain, as far as I know.
Another current example would be the Catholics and the Protestants in Ireland. Adolf Hitler, although he certainly had substantial economic reasons for conquering the world, had more sinister goals than just economic gain, as far as I know.
cgannon64
BOB DYLAN'S ROCKIN OUT!
Almost always, I think. The only other causes would be cultural differences (which is a rather ignorant reason to fight a war) or honest self-defense - which is basically about money anyway, since you want your independence to have your own economy.
It could be argued that ALL wars are ultimately about resources , be it land / mineral / water etc. Religious wars could also be classed as being about resources - in this case people - imposing your will on them and making them follow your doctrine to produce what you want.
allhailIndia
Deity
Why ask a question when the answer is already in it?
The Person
Deity +2
Because he wants to make sure he's right.
It's like saying everything I do is for my personal gain. Even when I'm helping others you still say it makes me feels better. I don't think the answer is that simple and absolute.
Roman's slave rebellion and Roman's conquest of Europe may be different. But if you want to say the slaves are fighting for money and resource I guess you could.
Roman's slave rebellion and Roman's conquest of Europe may be different. But if you want to say the slaves are fighting for money and resource I guess you could.
phoenix_night
Deity
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2003
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- 3,853
What are you talking about?
Aphex_Twin
Evergreen
- Joined
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It's a figure of speaking. For instance, the immediate "cause" of WW1 was the asassination of Archduke Ferdinand, while the real (root) cause was much more complex.
Duke Togo
Golgo 13
"No"
thestonesfan
A Client of Ron Kuby
No. War has been about many, many things. It's bogus to say it's always about money, because in the vast majority of cases, it's far more profitable to simply trade with another group of people. And if you kill them, it's kind of tough to trade with them.
Stapel
FIAT 850 coupé
No
WWI (many many reasons), WWII (German broken pride), Vietnam (Anti-communism), The war between Belgium and Holland (national pride). The Dutch independence war (freedom of religion), were all NOT about money.
The 4 Anglo-Dutch wars were about money.
WWI (many many reasons), WWII (German broken pride), Vietnam (Anti-communism), The war between Belgium and Holland (national pride). The Dutch independence war (freedom of religion), were all NOT about money.
The 4 Anglo-Dutch wars were about money.
Bozo Erectus
Master Baker
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 22,389
The root cause of war is the instinctive drive to extend the family/clan/tribal/national influence and dominance over as wide an area as possible. The other higher primates share this trait with us. These days we're happy extending our influence economically and politically, and not necessarily taking physical control of the territory (Iraq is an anomaly).
Being fond of logic, this answer really doesn't satisfy my needs.
I repeat the question: What differentiates a root cause from a regular cause?
Pointing to examples isn't an explanation, nor an answer.
Let's say A is a cause to B if A causes B.
How do you explain a root cause? How is it any different?
There is no such thing as a root cause.
What isn't clear about my statement?
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