Paradoxes of War

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/war

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Paradoxes of War on Coursera** In a world marked by its history of conflict and the evolving understanding of human nature, the course titled **“Paradoxes of War”** on Coursera offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted role that war plays in society. This intriguing and academically rich course provokes critical thought about war's dual nature as both a destructive force and a catalyst for social cohesion. ### Overview The **Paradoxes of War** course delves deep into the complexities of war, helping students grasp that it is not merely an aberration in human civilization but rather an integral factor in shaping our societal identities. The instructors aim to illustrate how war embodies the most basic human instincts and simultaneously exemplifies the most revered aspects of civilized society. Through thoughtful discussion, these paradoxes are carefully unpacked in a structured syllabus that covers various dimensions of war, from its nature and causes to its psychological and societal implications. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction/Welcome**: The course kicks off with an exploration of the fundamental paradoxes of war—how it can construct and deconstruct societies, fueling emotions of love and hate. This segment sets a contemplative tone, outlining the course's mission and objectives. 2. **The Nature of War**: Participants gain insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that lead to war, emphasizing the blend of natural instincts and social constructs. 3. **The Causes of War**: This section offers a comprehensive analysis of material, cultural, and psychological triggers, with a strong focus on "us versus them" dynamics that often sow discord. 4. **The Experience of War**: Here, students appreciate the overwhelming reality of warfare, an experience few voluntarily engage in, shedding light on the complex feelings intertwined with conflict. 5. **Making Warriors**: This module discusses the essential values imparted to warriors, highlighting how duty, honor, and discipline shape military culture. 6. **The War of Armies**: A closer look at organized violence, this section traces the administrative and technological advances culminating in total wars. 7. **The Progress of Battle**: An engaging historical survey of battle formations and tactics, leading from ancient strategies to modern warfare. 8. **The War of Societies**: The course examines wars as a means of societal survival through poignant examples, including conquest and genocide. 9. **Social Aspects of War: Nation State and Nationalism**: This segment explores how wars contribute to the formation of states and the evolution of nationalism. 10. **Social Aspects of War: Democracy, Citizenship, and Social Equality**: This module presents an examination of how warfare often drives demands for citizenship rights and democratic governance. 11. **The Rise of the Rest**: Students assess how new forms of conflict and the emergence of non-Western powers challenge traditional notions of military dominance post-1945. 12. **New Challenges**: The course concludes with a consideration of contemporary warfare's evolution, juxtaposing modern military organization with historical practices. 13. **Final Lecture**: The course wraps up with a synthesis of key themes and discussions, encouraging students to reflect on their newfound understanding of war. ### Conclusion and Recommendation **Paradoxes of War** is not just a history lesson; it is an enriching journey that compels participants to critically analyze and appreciate the complexities of conflict. With its well-organized structure and deep academic insights, this course is ideal not just for students of history or political science but also for anyone intrigued by the dynamics of human behavior, social structures, and their implications on a global scale. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of past conflicts or explore the intricate relationship between war and society today, this course comes highly recommended. Enrolling in **Paradoxes of War** will equip you with a nuanced perspective on a subject that is both timeless and profoundly relevant in our world. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the paradoxes that shape our existence through one of humanity's most intrinsic activities.

Syllabus

Introduction/Welcome

The basic paradoxes of war: how it builds and destroys, produces love and hate are discussed. Outline of course and general expectations.

War is a product of both “natural” instincts and a social creation involving the imposition of organization and authority structures.

Causes of war may be described as material, cultural, and psychological. At the heart of war is the product of us-them dynamics.

In order to understand the social creation of war we need to appreciate that this is an activity VERY few would engage in with control or inducement.

Warriors are taught a set of values of which duty and honor are fundamental. These are taught through the imposition of discipline.

Wars are about organized violence and this part of the course traces the managerial and technological developments necessary to culminate in total wars.

Historical overview of battle formations from phalanx to gunpowder revolution to industrialized war.

Wars can also be about societal survival and we look at three examples: conquest, genocide, and strategic bombing.

Wars help build states and nationalism

Wars also develop citizenship and democratic demands

While the West was dominant for 500 years, beginning in 1945 new forms of war have challenged the technological and organizational supremacy of old empires.

Wars are not fought as they were yet militaries are still organized anachronistically.

Summary of the class.