In this world there are lots of countries, nations, languages, religions, cultures, costumes but also lots of disagreements. History has it that there was never peace and respect among nations since the formation of the first state. From the beginning of the first conflict till date, wars have been fought for the same cause: Political differences, trade, religion, liberation, dynasty, seizure of territory, the annihilation of a rival state, the destruction of the enemy's ability to prosecute military action, revolution or genocide.
We can recall aggressive wars of Alexander the Great, nine Crusade wars, Spanish Succession, Hundred Years' War (France-England), American Civil War, or 20th century wars; World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, Yugoslav War, among others.
There was not yet a single year without war in human history; and it seems mankind has yet to learn lessons from centuries of fighting and conflicts; wars had never brought anything good to nations and countries. Currently, there are 32 conflicts going on around the World. These include civil war in Sri Lanka, the Chechen war, war in Afghanistan, civil war in Cote d'Ivoire, Central African war, Iraq War, war in Somalia, the Arab-Israel/Israel-Palestine conflict, among others.
Wars are now being fought in underdeveloped regions without any serious threat of spreading to neighboring countries, thought that may soon change. The world is altering, and countries are developing with the formation of new unions, financial help and foreign investments. Very soon the world will be without the so-called Third World countries, and without territories to start war. Would that signal the end of wars, or usher in new form of modern warfare?
The chances are that in the future we will see more wars - wars that will be fought between industrial countries. These wars may not take place in our lifetime, but it offers enough time for critical thinking and preventive actions. It looks as thought some countries are not recognized and their voice is not heard so they use all necessary means to be heard even if it means the use of force. Consequently, it behooves on the United Nations to get serious in its business and invite all countries to become members of the world body and make them discuss issues of concern in diversified arena in peaceful and understanding way, rather than sorting issues out in the battlefield.
The question which then arises is: Which country, will, first start that war and on which ground it will begin? It is very hard to predict, but as before, it will, most probably begin in Europe and not in the Middle East as many would think.
In Europe, the European Union (EU) is, financially, the strongest and one of the biggest multiethnic and multicultural communities in the world. But because of too many differences and inability of some members to agree on future political and financial issues, the EU may become unstable, and eventually collapse. Since the EU has enormous influence on many countries, its collapse will start a chain of destabilizations and race for domination. It looks like that history will repeat itself; just that it will cost more.
Contrary to this, the main goal of every country should be to preserve national identity, culture, religion, and of course, financial development, but as long as we have political differences and disrespect for other religions and cultures we will not have peace among nations. If we put these differences aside and focus on helping each other, perhaps there could be a chance to maintain stability in the world.
A time will come when all countries will get united for greater and peaceful goal, but that may come rather too late, though it will foster some degree of unity and understanding as never witnessed before.
— Ivan Simic is journalist based in Belgrade, Serbia. Write to him at: [email protected]
