In: Review of Keynesian Economics, 12(3), 293–307.

Written in an essayistic style, this paper explores some of the facets of the complex dynamics of modern warfare, probing the dynamic nature of conflicts; the role of technology and technological progress – the means of destruction as distinguished from the means of production – in modern war; the role of the United States in the globalization of warfare; asymmetric war between civilization and barbarism; and new distinctions between good and bad war, together with new concepts of heroism and mercenaryism. The paper also touches on the socio-cultural impacts of war, including its potential to foster unity or exacerbate divisions within societies.

Wars are about killing and getting killed. This makes them passionate affairs, bordering on the metaphysical. When it comes to combat on the ground, there are no technocratic wars, clean and cool, conducted on the battlefield with the Hague Land Warfare Convention in hand. If the choice is between committing a war crime and dying, soldiers don’t think long. They also cannot but ultimately hate those who are out to kill them, which makes it easier to kill them first as a precaution. Families back home will forgive; it is better if the enemy dies than their son, husband, or father. Prosecution of soldiers by their country for war crimes is rare; even rarer is conviction, morale being more important in war than morals. (…)

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