Human conflict is a necessary part of life

One thing that has become clear to me is that conflict — whether war, violence, or power struggles — has always been a universal part of human existence. From ancient tribal warfare to global conquests, every civilisation has been shaped by it. War isn’t the result of “lesser” or “more evil” humans; it’s embedded in the survival strategies of societies.

People in modern, developed nations often condemn violence from a distance, failing to recognise that their peace is upheld by others willing to engage in conflict on their behalf, even if they don’t always need to act. This detachment creates a simplistic view of conflict, ignoring the reality that, paradoxical as it may seem, one of the most effective ways to deter violence is to project a willingness and capacity for it. This strength often prevents conflict before it starts, as potential aggressors must weigh the costs.

You might believe that you are not violent, you’re probably wrong. You likely haven’t been placed in a situation where violence is your only viable choice — perhaps to defend your life. However, even if you’re right, aggressors will always exist, driven by motives both good and bad. Failing to acknowledge that conflict is a constant part of human life is to live outside reality. To address real — world problems, we must first accept that conflict will always be present.