Assignment

Topic: Discuss two Axioms on War Studies: Fundamentals of Strategic Studies

Name: Ogunedo, Chamberline C.

Department: Religion, Peace and Conflict Studies

Abstract:

This paper explores two crucial axioms in the field of war studies, illuminating the
fundamental principles of strategic studies. The first axiom suggests that nations engage in
war to secure peace, while the second emphasizes the necessity for nations to change their
attitudes towards war, as failure to do so may result in the annihilation of mankind. By
delving into these axioms, this paper aims to shed light on the interplay between war and
peace, and the imperative need for transformational shifts in global attitudes towards
warfare.

Introduction

The study of war and strategic studies often revolves around understanding the complex
nature of conflict and the pursuit of peace. Two major axioms that encapsulate the essence
of this field are: "We make war that we may live in peace" and "Unless nations change
attitudes towards war, or else war will put an end to mankind (nations)".

These concepts have been discussed by various scholars and theorists in the field of strategic
studies and international relations. Valuable insights on these axioms in works by prominent
scholars such as Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Carl von Clausewitz, and contemporary
strategic thinkers like Thomas Schelling, Kenneth Waltz, and others who have explored the
relationship between war and peace in depth. Additional research in the field of strategic
studies and international relations literature can provide further context and analysis on
these axioms.

The two axioms on war studies, as discussed in the fundamentals of strategic studies,
highlight the complex and paradoxical nature of warfare. The first axiom, "we make war that
we may live in peace," reflects the idea that nations engage in conflict in order to secure
their own survival and protect their interests. This concept is rooted in the realist
perspective of international relations, which posits that states are driven by self-interest and
the pursuit of power.

The second axiom, "unless nations change attitudes towards war, war will put an end to
mankind (nations)," serves as a warning about the destructive potential of warfare. This
axiom emphasizes the need for nations to reconsider their reliance on military force as a
means of resolving conflicts, and to instead seek peaceful and diplomatic solutions. It also
underscores the existential threat that war poses to humanity, as the use of weapons of
mass destruction and the escalation of conflicts can have catastrophic consequences.

1. "We make war that we may live in peace" - This axiom, attributed to Aristotle, suggests
that the act of going to war is sometimes seen as a necessary evil to secure a lasting peace
[1]. It acknowledges the paradox that while war brings destruction and suffering, it may also
be undertaken with the intention of establishing a stable and peaceful order. This axiom
implies that the ultimate goal of engaging in warfare is to secure peace. In other words,
nations resort to war as a means to achieve a more stable and secure peace in the long run.
This concept is rooted in the idea that through the use of military force, nations may seek to
resolve conflicts, deter aggression, or protect their interests, ultimately leading to a more
peaceful and secure international environment.

2. "Unless nations change attitudes towards war, or else war will put an end to mankind
(nations)" - This axiom echoes the sentiments of figures like H.G. Wells and John F. Kennedy,
who warned of the existential threat that war poses to humanity[2][3]. It implies that if
nations continue to resort to war as a means of resolving disputes, the survival of humanity
itself is at risk. The axiom calls for a fundamental shift in how nations perceive and engage
with the concept of war, advocating for a more peaceful and cooperative international order.

This axiom highlights the destructive potential of war and emphasizes the need for nations
to reconsider their approaches to conflict resolution. It warns that if nations do not evolve
their attitudes towards war and find alternative means of addressing disputes, the
devastating consequences of warfare could threaten the very existence of humanity and
nations themselves.
Conclusion:

The two axioms you mentioned are key concepts in the field of strategic studies that
highlight the complex relationship between war and peace. These axioms serve as a
reminder of the high stakes involved in the study of war and strategic studies. They
encourage a deeper reflection on the causes of war, the consequences of military action,
and the importance of striving for peace through understanding and changing attitudes
towards conflict.

These axioms underscore the dual nature of war as both a destructive force that can
threaten the survival of nations and mankind, as well as a tool that can be used to achieve
peace and security under certain circumstances.

Endnotes

(1) Aristotle: 'We make war that we may live in peace.'.

https://www.socratic-method.com/philosophy-quote-meanings/aristotle-we-make-war-that-
we-may-live-in-peace.
(2) H. G. Wells: 'If we don't end war, war will end us.'.
https://www.socratic-method.com/philosophy-quote-meanings/h-g-wells-if-we-dont-end-
war-war-will-end-us.
(3) John F. Kennedy - Oxford Reference.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191866692.001.0001/q-oro-
ed6-00006245.
(4) Fundamentals of Strategy.
https://www.pearson.de/media/muster/toc/toc_9781292351391.pdf.
(5) Fundamentals of Strategic Management - SAGE Publications Inc.
https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/53794_Chapter_1.pdf.
(6) Strategic studies - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_studies.
(7) The Fundamental Elements of Strategy - Springer.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-33-4713-7.
(8) Aristotle - We make war that we may live in peace. - BrainyQuote.
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/aristotle_136706.
(9) Clausewitz’s I Wondrous Yet Paradoxical Trinity.
https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/jfq/jfq-96/JFQ-96_42-49_Cole.pdf?
ver=2020-02-07-150502-163.
(10) The Oxford Handbook of War | Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/edited-
volume/34362.
(11) On War - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_War.
(12) Institute for the Study of War. https://www.understandingwar.org/.
(13) Changing Attitudes Towards War: The Impact of the First World War ....
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-political-science/article/abs/
changing-attitudes-towards-war-the-impact-of-the-first-world-war/
33C89F87171CE29B7D6E22BF7CA00EB5.
(14) Can the UN stop a war? 5 of your questions answered | UN News.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115592.
(15) undefined. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199562930.001.0001.
(16) undefined. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007123400006001.