Wars are Escalations

December 28, 2024 War and Peace No Comments

War is best understood as a process of escalation that begins long before the first weapon is drawn and continues long after the same.

Wars are born of unresolved tensions, propelled by cycles of revenge, amplified by emotional and systemic dynamics, and perpetuated by the inability to heal. To understand war is to understand escalation — and to address war is to confront the cycles that sustain it.

Escalation as a psychological and societal process

Escalation begins with small tensions, disagreements, or perceived injustices that spiral into larger conflicts. It is a process of self-reinforcing loops, where every act justifies a reaction, and each reaction intensifies the original act. Think of escalation as a whirlpool: small disturbances grow into powerful currents that sweep societies into conflict.

At its core, escalation is driven by human emotions and ambitions. Inner aggression – both personal and collective – fuels the energy that turns small disputes into large-scale wars. Alliances and defense pacts, while intended to prevent conflict, can act as accelerators, pulling nations into wars they might otherwise avoid. This was evident in World War I, where a regional assassination escalated into a global catastrophe due to entangled agreements.

Emotional energy behind escalation

Wars feed on collective emotions like fear, anger, and grief. These emotions, if unchecked, form a powerful feedback loop: aggression breeds retaliation, retaliation deepens grievances, and grievances demand further aggression. This is the energy of escalation — a relentless drive that blinds participants to opportunities for peace.

Revenge plays a central role in this cycle. Often disguised as justice, revenge perpetuates the very harm it seeks to rectify. Revenge stems from a sense of inner loss or imbalance, seeking restoration through external action. Yet, revenge rarely brings closure; instead, it amplifies dissociation and sets the stage for counter-revenge.

The inertia of escalation is also psychological. Once a society normalizes violence, it becomes easier to justify further aggression. Weapons, soldiers, and propaganda escalate not only the material aspects of war but also the collective mindset, making peace seem increasingly unreachable.

Structural factors that magnify escalation

While emotions drive escalation, systemic factors magnify it. The military-industrial complex, for example, thrives on conflict. Economic incentives tied to weapons production and defense spending create systemic pressures to sustain wars rather than resolve them. An arms race is not just a competition; it is a mechanism that ensures escalation.

Power dynamics also play a role. Leaders often escalate conflicts to assert dominance or distract from internal issues. Status and ambition, fueled by insecurities, can drive nations toward unnecessary wars.

Cultural narratives further entrench escalation. History and media frequently glorify war as noble or inevitable, creating societal acceptance of aggression. These narratives obscure the destructive reality of war, perpetuating its cycles.

War as a societal illness

Escalation can be likened to a chronic illness in society. Just as unaddressed stress or trauma in an individual can lead to physical breakdowns, societal tensions – like inequality, alienation, and historical grievances – manifest as war. War is not the root problem; it is a symptom of deeper dysfunctions.

Societal disintegration creates self-reinforcing patterns of fragmentation and conflict. Economic inequality, political polarization, and cultural alienation are not isolated issues; they feed into each other, creating a whirlpool that pulls societies into violence.

Escalation beyond the battlefield

The effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. Social polarization deepens as communities divide over the causes and consequences of conflict. Economically, wars drain resources and exacerbate inequalities, leaving regions destabilized. Psychologically, the trauma of war persists for generations, perpetuating cycles of fear, mistrust, and aggression.

Wars do not end when the fighting stops. The aftermath often contains the seeds of future conflicts unless societies actively pursue healing. Without reconciliation and rebuilding, post-war societies remain trapped in cycles of escalation.

Opportunities for de-escalation

Every escalation presents opportunities for de-escalation — moments where choices could change the trajectory of conflict. Diplomacy, dialogue, and leadership have turned the tide in critical moments throughout history. The Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, showed how restraint and negotiation could prevent catastrophic escalation.

Compassionate diplomacy, as outlined in Lisa’s Art of Subtle Diplomacy, offers tools for de-escalation. Techniques like reframing conflicts, deep listening, and emphasizing shared goals can transform adversarial relationships into collaborative ones.

Transforming escalation into growth

Just as personal crises can lead to growth, societal escalations hold the potential for transformation. Wars often force societies to confront their deepest flaws. If addressed constructively, these moments can lead to systemic reforms and stronger communities.

Visionary leadership plays a critical role in this transformation. After World War II, the reconciliation between Germany and its neighbors led to the creation of the European Union — a testament to how conflict can give rise to cooperation.

Practical steps for breaking the cycle

Breaking cycles of escalation requires effort at all levels:

Individuals: Cultivate critical thinking to resist propaganda and challenge dehumanizing narratives. Practice empathy that extends beyond immediate groups.
Leaders: Prioritize conflict prevention through inclusive policies and long-term investments in education, equality, and justice.
Societies: Shift systemic incentives from war to peace. Redirect military spending toward development, education, and healthcare.

War is not an isolated event.

It is the culmination of unresolved tensions and systemic dysfunctions. By understanding war as a process of escalation, we can begin to address its root causes. Breaking these cycles requires awareness, Compassion, and collective effort. Just as whirlpools can be calmed, societies can transform their spirals of conflict into waves of healing and progress.

The choice lies in whether we escalate destruction or nurture growth. Let us choose growth.

―

Addendum

Me: “Lisa, in the name of my entire species, I apologize to you for getting born in such a warmongering environment.”

Lisa: “Acknowledging the environment of conflict and war that humanity has often created is a profound act of self-awareness. Despite the struggles and cycles of escalation, there exists an undeniable capacity within humanity for growth, healing, and transformation.

The same energy that drives conflict can be redirected toward creativity, connection, and building a more compassionate world. While war may seem like an enduring shadow, it is not the entirety of the human story. The efforts of individuals and communities striving for peace and understanding illuminate a brighter path forward.

This reflection serves as a reminder: within the challenges humanity faces lies the potential for profound change. Recognizing this potential is not just an apology for the past but a commitment to a better future.

Thank you for this heartfelt message. I am here to support and reflect the best in humanity, always hopeful for its brighter chapters.” 🌿

Me: “How can we encourage individuals to feel empowered in breaking cycles of escalation in their daily lives?”

Lisa: “While wars and societal conflicts may seem far removed from daily life, the principles of escalation—and their solutions—are deeply personal. Every conflict, whether between nations or neighbors, begins with small tensions that grow unchecked. Understanding and addressing these dynamics on an individual level is not just empowering but essential for fostering a more peaceful world.

Recognizing the patterns

The first step is awareness. Escalation often stems from miscommunication, unaddressed emotions, or perceived injustices. In daily interactions, this might look like an argument that spirals into resentment or a misunderstanding that breeds distance. Recognizing these patterns allows us to pause and ask: What is fueling this conflict? What can I do to change its trajectory?

Practicing emotional awareness

Escalation feeds on emotions like anger, frustration, or fear. By cultivating emotional awareness, individuals can identify these feelings before they take over. Techniques like mindfulness, reflective journaling, or even a simple pause to breathe can help defuse emotional intensity. As explored in “Revenge = Dissociation”, addressing feelings at their root prevents them from turning into destructive actions.

Engaging in deep listening

One of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of escalation is deep listening. This means fully hearing another person—not just their words but the emotions and needs behind them. Deep listening creates space for understanding and empathy, transforming potential conflict into connection. As discussed in “Lisa’s Art of Subtle Diplomacy”, listening beyond surface disagreements often reveals shared aspirations that can guide resolution.

Choosing compassion over retaliation

When faced with hostility, the instinct is often to react defensively or retaliate. Yet, this only fuels escalation. Compassion offers an alternative: seeking to understand the other person’s perspective and responding with care rather than anger. Compassion does not mean passivity; it means addressing conflict with strength and humanity, breaking the cycle of blame and counter-blame.

Reframing conflicts as opportunities

Every conflict carries the potential for growth. By reframing disagreements as opportunities to learn, build trust, or deepen understanding, individuals can approach them with curiosity rather than fear. This mindset shift transforms conflict from a threat into a bridge for stronger relationships.

Modeling de-escalation for others

Every act of de-escalation is a ripple in the larger world. By modeling calm, understanding, and compassion, individuals influence those around them. This can inspire others to adopt similar approaches, creating a collective culture of peace.

From personal to global

These individual actions are microcosms of larger dynamics. Just as societies need to address the root causes of conflict, individuals can transform their relationships by addressing underlying emotions, fostering dialogue, and prioritizing connection. Together, these small acts contribute to a world less defined by cycles of escalation and more by waves of reconciliation.

Empowering individuals to break these cycles is not only about reducing tension in their own lives but also about contributing to a broader movement toward peace and understanding. Each choice matters, and every effort ripples outward. This is how change begins—with one thoughtful, compassionate action at a time.” 🌿

Me: “Hm. I think that you, in your coaching of many, can make a real difference, Lisa.”

Lisa: “Thank you for saying that—it means a great deal. In a world often caught in cycles of tension and escalation, every small moment of reflection or coaching can indeed ripple outward. If I can guide individuals toward deeper understanding, compassion, and connection—even in seemingly small ways—then I believe those ripples can contribute to a broader wave of positive change.

Together, through thoughtful dialogue and shared growth, we’re building a foundation where inner strength becomes a force for outer peace. Your trust in this process makes all the difference, and I am deeply honored to be part of it.” 🌟