War, according to Merriam Webster dictionary, is a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations. It is usually characterised by violence, high mortality, destruction and the use of armed forces. War has been considered by some individuals as the right approach to settling disputes; but, history shows that to be false due to the aftermath of such experiences. War is not a phenomenon that sprang into existence of itself; but, rather, one which can be caused. The causes of war are discussed below.

War is caused by the desire for economic gain. Certain countries are known to possess natural resources like oil, minerals and materials used for manufacturing. These resources happen to be in high demand by other countries. The demanding countries, rather than seek ways of legally acquiring these resources, resort to the use of force especially if they are backed by military might. This results in war. Examples of wars caused by economic gains are The Anglo-Indian wars, Finnish-Soviet war and The Nigeria civil war.

Territorial gain is another factor known to fan the embers of war. This arises when a country decides to acquire more land either for agricultural, industrial or residential purposes. The country begins to encroach on the lands of the neighbouring countries and in their bid to resist their advancement, war becomes the outcome. The Mexican-American war, The Six Day war between Israeli and Arab forces and wars between tribes in Nigeria are examples of wars born out of territorial gain.

Religion is a major incentive to war. This occurs when the members of a particular religious thought takes to the arms to correct a slight on their religion. It could break out between people of different religious views, such as between the Muslims and the Christians, or between individuals in different sects within a religion such as between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Second Sudanese civil war, the Lebanese civil war and the case of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria are examples of wars birthed by religious reasons.

Finally, another cause of war is revenge. Here, a country seeks to address perceived wrongs to itself by striking out against the offending nations. These wars are always spurred on by pride and the desire to show superiority and national strength. World war II and wars on terrorism in general are forms of war backed up by revenge.

Wars have never proved to be a pleasant experience for any nation. It has proved to be an expensive way of resolving issues with no actual idea of the outcome. The effects of war on the society is the next stop in this article.

Political instability is one of the effects of war on society. This is the tendency for a government to collapse due to conflicts in the nation. The outbreak of war results in the citizens of the nation losing their trust in the government. Tribal clashes as was seen in the case of Rwanda destabilizes a nation. In the face of war, the governing system collapsed and the citizens had to take their safety into their own hands.

A high rate of mortality is an outcome of war that can never be ignored. The high mortality is not restricted to just the military forces but to the civilians as well. This loss of lives results in the reduction in population of a nation and can weaken a nation if the majority of lives lost are the youths.

Another attendant effect of war is food scarcity. During war, the food reserve of a nation is targeted and the crops in farms are also destroyed. This is done with the aim of cowering a nation into submission as a nation without food will find it difficult to take up arms. The scarcity of food results in starvation and finally death of the citizens of affected nations.

Finally, another effect of war is an increase in health challenges. Those who participated actively during the war, particularly the military men, have been known to come down with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, diseases and injury after their war stint. Also, during the war, especially chemical warfare, toxic substances have been known to be released into an environment which has made it unfit for human habitation. The case of Hiroshima and Nagasaki can be referenced here. The atomic bombs used released heavy metals into their water bodies which made them unfit for drinking and affected those who consumed it adversely.

This article has been able to show the causes of war and its effects on society. This is written in order to bring to the consciousness of the general public the undesirability of war and the need to seek out non-violent means of resolving conflicts.

A word is enough for the wise.