Critically examine the relationship between war and underdevelopment - Coursework Example

War has been characterised as an activity involving methodical physical violence and slaughter carried out for political purposes -- to achieve or prolong political power. Within this wide-ranging intention, specific groups also chase economic objectives which can become justifications for prolonging conflict beyond that point when political objectives appear viable (Stewart and Fitzgerald, 2000: 4). Likewise, war must be perceived as an authentic, deliberate and pervasive armed conflict between political communities.

Plain awareness for war to erupt or existence of a collective contempt between political communities does not make conclusive indicators of war. Conflict of arms must be real and not merely suppressed; likewise, it must be both deliberate and extensive -- unrepeated collisions between military scoundrels cannot be considered acts of war. Essentially, the inception of war necessitates a premeditated commitment from parties involved considerable recruitment of men. Finally, there is no actual war until the “fighters intend to go to war” and until they execute such with a heavy quantum of force (Walzer, 1996: 95-112).

Is war always regressive? Since war always has a high economic cost attached to it, is there a prudent and impartial manner to instigate such activity or is it all desperate, barbaric massacres? Does war have a role in the development of a nation? More importantly, is there a direct relationship between armed conflict and a nation’s economic underdevelopment? In recent decades, the world has witnessed the surfacing and intensification of an extensive array of fierce conflicts. Regardless of the motivations, brutal clashes are, more often than not, socially and culturally catastrophic, economically shattering and politically disastrous.

In many cases, conflict is triggered by lack of development, whether economic, political, social or a