Left-Wing Perspective on Principle Causes of War

Left-wing perspectives on the causes of war often emphasize the role of power dynamics, capitalism, and the state in creating and perpetuating conflict. Here are 20 different causes of war.

1. State power: According to anarchists, the state and its exercise of power are a major cause of war, as states seek to expand their influence and control over territory and resources. (Bookchin, 1995, p. 26)
2. Capitalism: Anarchists argue that capitalism, with its emphasis on profit and competition, creates conditions that lead to conflict, as states and corporations compete for resources and markets. (Berkman, 1929, p. 20)
3. Imperialism: Imperialism, or the expansion of states and capitalist interests into other countries, is also seen as a major cause of war, as states and corporations seek to exploit the resources and labor of colonized peoples. (Fanon, 1961, p. 38)
4. Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism, or the concentration of power in the hands of a few, is seen as a cause of war as those in power seek to maintain their control and suppress dissent. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 36)
5. Hierarchy: Hierarchy, or the unequal distribution of power and privilege, is also seen as a cause of war, as those at the top of the hierarchy seek to maintain their power and those at the bottom resist. (Bookchin, 1995, p. 41)
6. Nationalism: Nationalism, or the idea of a nation as a unified and superior entity, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to the dehumanization and exploitation of other groups. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 45)
7. Religion: Religion, or the belief in a higher power or set of beliefs, can also be a cause of war as it can be used to justify violence and the oppression of others. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 45)
8. Patriarchy: Patriarchy, or the social and economic system in which men hold power and women are marginalized, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to the objectification and domination of women. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)
9. Racism: Racism, or the belief in the superiority of one racial group over others, is also a cause of war as it can lead to the exploitation and violence against marginalized groups. (Fanon, 1961, p. 38)
10. Environmental degradation: Environmental degradation, or the destruction of the natural environment, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resource scarcity and conflict over access to resources. (Bookchin, 1995, p. 26)
11. Disempowerment: Disempowerment, or the lack of agency and control over one's own life, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and rebellion. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)
12. Repression: Repression, or the use of force to suppress dissent and maintain control, is also seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and backlash. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 36)
13. Propaganda: Propaganda, or the use of media and messaging to manipulate public opinion, is seen as a cause of war as it can be used to justify violence and distract from the true causes of conflict. (Berkman, 1929, p. 20)
14. Militarism: Militarism, or the glorification and prioritization of military power, is seen as a cause of war as it can create a culture of violence and aggression. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)
15. Disunity: Disunity, or the lack of solidarity and cooperation among people, is also seen as a cause of war as it can lead to division and conflict. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 45)
16. Inequality: Inequality, or the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, is seen as a cause of war as it can create resentment and conflict. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)
17. Discrimination: Discrimination, or the unfair treatment of certain groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, or sexuality, is also a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and backlash. (Fanon, 1961, p. 38)
18. Exploitation: Exploitation, or the use of others for one's own benefit, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and rebellion. (Bakunin, 1867, p. 36)
19. Oppression: Oppression, or the systemic mistreatment of certain groups, is also seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and the struggle for liberation. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)
20. Control of resources: The control of resources, such as oil, water, and land, is seen as a cause of war as states and corporations compete for access to these resources. (Bookchin, 1995, p. 26)
21. Displacement: Displacement, or the forced relocation of people from their homes, is also seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and conflict. (Fanon, 1961, p. 38)
22. Occupation: Occupation, or the military or colonial control of a territory, is seen as a cause of war as it can lead to resistance and rebellion. (Goldman, 1910, p. 27)

Source:
1. Bakunin, M. (1867). Statism and anarchy. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
2. Berkman, A. (1929). The ABC of anarchism. New York, NY: Vanguard Press.
3. Bookchin, M. (1995). The ecology of freedom: The emergence and dissolution of hierarchy. Oakland, CA: AK Press.
4. Fanon, F. (1961). The wretched of the earth. New York, NY: Grove Press.
5. Goldman, E. (1910). Anarchism and other essays. New York, NY: Mother Earth Publishing Association.