War

War is arguably one of the most salient issues in world politics and has afflicted societies throughout history. It is also one of the most contested concepts in International Relations, triggering deep disagreements among scholars over its meaning as well as the appropriate way to study it. What is beyond doubt, however, is that war is a potent generative force that plays a central role in the emergence and transformation of domestic and international orders. It is a phenomenon that is shaped by and, in turn, one that shapes the political, social and economic organization and cultural make-up of the societies engaged in warfare. A practice that is premised on intentionally inflicting harm and destruction, war also serves as a productive medium for projecting political and economic power and control over societies that are at war, with the fear of the enemy becoming a source for group cohesion, ossifying identities, essentializing and, thereby, solidifying cultural and civilizational differences.