How can we end Wars? – Daniel Otsapa (Yr 9)
Wars have scarred our world for centuries. They are tragedies that echo through generations, leaving behind destruction, grief, and despair. Today, we find ourselves in a world where war is still a grim reality. Whether it’s the brutal conflict in Ukraine, civil wars tearing through nations, or the countless smaller but equally devastating battles, one thing is certain: humanity must find a way to end wars.
But how did we get here? Why do wars continue to erupt, even in a world that claims to value progress and unity?
Wars often begin with a single question: who holds the power? Leaders exploit this question, fuelling nationalism, greed, or ideological superiority. But let us ask a different question—one that holds the key to preventing wars: how do we share power? The truth is, war thrives in a world where dialogue is dismissed and compromise is seen as feeble and weak . Yet, history shows us that the greatest progress comes from cooperation, not conquest. The effects of war are devastating—not just for those on the battlefield, but for entire nations. The war in Ukraine has displaced millions, destroyed cities and led to a rapid rise in refugee rate . Economies across the globe have been destabilised; food prices have soared reflecting past economic crisis’s like Hyperinflation in Germany. But the damage goes deeper. How do children in warzones rebuild their futures when their schools are bombed? How does a family survive when their home has turned to ash? War does not solve problems—it multiplies them. So, how do we stop this cycle? Ethics and my self-made steps to peace help this ongoing question .
First, we must address the very fears and inequalities that ignite wars. Poverty, injustice, and lack of opportunity often fuel desperation, creating fertile ground for violence. If we addressed these issues, would we see fewer conflicts? The answer is yes. By investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in vulnerable regions, we can cut war off at its roots. When people have hope and opportunity, they are far less likely to be drawn to extremism or violence. Teaching the younger generation about roots if this war could also help for war to stop.
Second, we must recognise that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. Wars often start because dialogue fails, but what if we prioritised negotiation before aggression? Rhetorical questions like, “Can leaders truly sit down and compromise?” may sound unorthodox , but history provides examples where diplomacy succeeded.
The Cold War, one of the most dangerous standoffs in history ended not with missiles, but with calculated dialogue.
Finally, we must demand accountability. Wars persist because those who wage them are often never held responsible. When leaders commit atrocities and face no consequences, they influence others who are angered and misled to do the same. Justice needs to be equal whatever the scale and whatever the situation as smaller nations acts that escalate are often not looked at because of their scale but in reality they are an issue that needs to be addressed .
So how do we stop war ? The answer lies in our hands. War begins with greed, fear, and division, but it can end with dialogue, empathy, and justice. The solutions are there. The question is—are we brave enough to pursue them?
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