This podcast interviews historian Richard Overy about his book "Why War?". The conversation explores various perspectives on the causes of war, ranging from biological and psychological factors to ecological pressures, resource competition, belief systems, and the pursuit of power. Overy challenges the "pacified past" theory, arguing that violence is deeply rooted in human history, supported by archaeological and anthropological evidence such as skeletal trauma, iconography, fortifications, and weaponry. The discussion concludes with a pessimistic outlook on the future of war, highlighting the persistent challenges of insecurity and the limitations of collective security agreements in preventing conflict. The interview emphasizes the complexity of war's causes, drawing on multiple disciplines to provide a nuanced understanding.
