There are many paradoxes about war; indeed, war itself is a paradox. Of all social activities, war holds a unique place: civilized, cultured people purposefully organizing men, women and matériel to kill and destroy. No other social activity does this.

From time to time, this website will suggest a ‘Paradoxical Proposition’ and ask visitors to the site to contribute comments, observations, support or refutations to existing posts. Please use the ‘Leave a Comment on the next page.

The author, Christopher K Pike will collate and edit these as well as adding his own contributions.

So please read, learn and contribute to this section!

Let’s start with three ‘Paradoxical Propositions’!

1) An Historical perspective

Ever since mankind organized into groups, that is, ever since homo sapiens sapiens separated from homo erectus (or even before that), it has been a constant theme and backbeat of all groups, clans and civilizations.

2) How do we define War?

War is a hostile act designed to force an enemy to do our will, which might be territorial, or to force them to desist from some action, be that internal or external. Whether the protagonists are societies, nations, states or simply polities, the basis of war must be political.

3) Is there is a general model of war?

The motivation for any hostile act against another polity, be it non-lethal or one that involves kinetic military action has such a wide range of components, themes and aspects as to defy any general model of war.