Are Human Rights Universal Example

Are Human Rights Universal Example Are Human Rights Universal â€" Essay Example > @2010 Introduction The transformation of the nature of war in contemporary society and its impacts on interstate relations is a greatly debatable notion. George (1986) highlights that war involves two forces that stand opposed to each other, whereby each force tries to compel the enemy side to do its will. Jones, etal, (1996) assert that War as an organized activity can best be described by the nature of the communities or states that wage it, rather than the weaponry and tactics applied in fighting the war. In the wage of advancement in the possession of nuclear weapons among certain states and increased terrorist activities, it is evident that the change on the nature of war in modern has impacted inter- state relations. This particular presentation seeks to analyze the impacts of the changing nature of war and how it affects inter-state relations. It begins by evaluating the basic changes on the nature of war in modern society, and further analyzes how the transformation has im pacted inter-state relations. SignificantChanges on the Nature of War Historical classification of war was established in 1648, it was characterized by Napoleonic wars and the two world wars, and this period lasted up to the end of the 1990 Cold War. Historians assert that the central concept of war within 1990 up to the 21 century has been revolutionized by social, political and economic factors which continue to change as time progresses. Clausewitz (1948) agreed to the fact that the essence of war is political; he described historical war as a means of resolving disputes among political groups. Rivalry among states can be perceived as the major products of war. He further acknowledged that wars basically differ from one another across aspects of space and time. Clausewitz describes war as a chameleon that slowly adapts to the characteristics of a particular social, political environment. As a phenomenon it is dominated by tendencies such as violence, enmity and hatred (Lind 199 7). One of the schools of thought advocates that the economic rationale has influenced the changing nature of war. Here the main argument is that incentives based on the economy usually determine the conduct of war. The linkage of the nature of war to the economy does not imply that most wars are caused by economic shortcomings but rather the continuation and conduct of war is determined by shortcomings within the economic framework. Globalization has greatly influenced the war trends to great extents, for instance the 1978-1988 Iran- Iraq war shepherded by conflict based oil reserves, the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in the 1990’s with claims that the Kuwait was one of its provinces was due to the presence of oil. Most of such notable conflicts were caused by economic incentives that are linked to wealth and also power. Clausewitz’s argued that the rising importance in warfare is also reflected by the technology and culture of the existing age. Kagan (1995) also highlighted the co ntribution of the economy to the nature of war by stating that the manner in which a society organizes its war reflects on the manner in which it makes wealth, thus the capacity of a state to tactfully organize warfare will influence economic strength. Starting with industrial advancement every revolution that occurs within the state system basically triggers a corresponding revolution in the war making system. As a result the emergence of new information economic and economic advancement within states results to a parallel or an equivalent revelation in the system of warfare.