Sociologist Michael Mann explains why wars are often irrational and rarely produce good results.
Paul Starobin hosts Michael Mann on the America and Beyond podcast to discuss Mann's book 'On Wars'. Mann explains his fascination with war stems from unfinished business in his earlier work, not personal experience. He critiques realist theories of war, arguing that decisions are often irrational due to over-optimism, emotions, and ideologies. The conversation delves into the Israel-Palestine conflict, analyzing it as a colonial settler war with religious drivers and a disparity in military resources. Mann distinguishes between ferocious warfare (hand-to-hand combat) and callous warfare (bombing), using historical examples like Roman sieges and 20th-century bombings. The discussion then shifts to the Russia-Ukraine war, where Mann explores Putin's revisionist ambitions, mixed motivations, and underestimation of Ukrainian nationalism. Mann also addresses U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting a pattern of underestimating local nationalism. He mentions conflicts in Africa, such as Ethiopia and Eritrea, tied to colonial boundary disputes. The episode concludes with Mann arguing that wars are made by rulers, not people, and that democracies are not immune to this dynamic. Throughout, Mann emphasizes that peace is more rational and common than war historically.
