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Written in an essayistic style, this paper explores some of the facets of the complex dynamics of modern warfare, probing the dynamic nature of conflicts; the role of technology and technological progress – the means of destruction as distinguished from the means of production – in modern war; the role of the United States in the globalization of warfare; asymmetric war between civilization and barbarism; and new distinctions between good and bad war, together with new concepts of heroism and mercenaryism. The paper also touches on the socio-cultural impacts of war, including its potential to foster unity or exacerbate divisions within societies.
Wolfgang Streeck (2024) studied this question.