What is the difference between the Nature and Scope of Wars fought before World War 11 and the present era?
What is the difference between the Nature and Scope of Wars fought before World War 11 and the present era?
A conflict or war is the result of multiple factors. No single factor causes war. Since the causes of war are cumulative, according to circumstances at a given time, some particular cause becomes more important than other causes and ultimately becomes the immediate cause of Conflict and war. Conflict or War is state where each state perceives the other's goals, values, tangible and intangible intentions and interests as antithetical.
Pre World War 11
1. The wars before World War 11 were typically conventional, involving large-scale battles between armed and uniformed state armies. Wars often centered on ideological, territorial conquest or colonial expansion.
2. Weapons were largely limited to infantry, artillery, naval forces, and early aviation (e.g., biplanes). Communications were slow, reliant on telegraphs or messengers.
3. No nuclear weapons existed. Wars relied on conventional forces and early chemical weapons.
4. Wars were typically fought within defined geographical boundaries. Global wars were rare and largely driven by imperial or colonial ambitions (e.g., World War I and 11).
5. Wars were often driven by imperialism, nationalism, and competition for colonial resources. Ideological conflicts (e.g., communism vs. capitalism vs Islam vs Hinduism) had not yet emerged as dominant causes of war.
6. There was no strong international framework to prevent wars. The League of Nations, which was established after World War 1, was weak and ineffective.
7. Media coverage was slow and limited to newspapers or radio, and propaganda was state-controlled.
8. Nations had more self-sufficient economies, and trade blockades or sanctions were less impactful.
9. Wars were primarily fought between nation-states or colonial empires.
10. Civilian casualties were often accepted as collateral damage, with limited international response.
Present Era
Modern wars are more hybrids in nature, combining conventional warfare with guerrilla tactics, cyber warfare, and propaganda. Many conflicts are intra-state (civil wars, insurgencies) rather than inter-state.
Sophisticated technologies such as nuclear, ballistic missiles, drones, satellites, precision-guided missiles, and cyber warfare are commonly used. Real-time battlefield communication and surveillance through GPS and the internet play a critical role.
The existence of nuclear weapons has fundamentally altered global conflict dynamics, with deterrence being a key strategy. There is a constant threat of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons.
Conflicts can be global or localized but have far-reaching consequences due to globalized economies and media. Terrorism and cyber attacks transcend borders and can affect countries without direct military involvement.
Modern wars are often driven by political, religious, and ethnic ideologies, as well as anti-colonial or anti-imperialist sentiments.
The United Nations and various regional bodies such as Warsaw Pact, SEATO, CENTO, NATO, EU, Non Aligned Movement, Arab League, OIC and other regional organizations of world play key roles in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid.
Social media, real-time news, and the internet play a central role in shaping public opinion, spreading disinformation, and influencing conflicts.
Globalization has created complex economic interdependencies, meaning wars can have devastating global economic repercussions.
Non-state actors such as, terrorist groups, insurgencies, private militias play a significant role in modern warfare.
Human rights violations and civilian protection are central concerns, with international pressure and war crime trials for atrocities.
The colossal difference is significant due to advancements in technology, changes in political ideologies, and the evolution of global norms. These differences highlight how war has evolved from state-centric conflicts of expansion and power to more complexes, ideologically driven, technologically advanced, and globally interconnected struggles.
Prof Dr Qayum Mangi, Principal College of Superior Services Sukkur.
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