Now the figure of a new suspect rises: our own nature. How can this be possible? Recent studies seem to have concluded that beyond the attempts to live in society, violence forms an immovable part of our nature.
violent cycles
Have you ever heard of the cliodynamics? Don’t feel bad if the answer is negative, few know what it’s about. The term was coined at the beginning of the 21st century to refer to a series of transdisciplinary studies that intertwine historical events with mathematical models.
One of his most surprising findings is the realization that humanity has spikes in violence that occur approximately every 50 years.. They do not arise by chance, but motivated by an increase in the power of the elites, which increases the economic and social gaps in the world.
It sounds so logical that it almost seems absurd, at least until we analyze the dates and realize that, indeed, many of humanity’s great conflicts have happened every five decades.
The investigation begins in 1870, which can be related to the United States Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War; from there it goes to 1920 that leads us to the Great War; then to 1970 with the War of the Portuguese Colonies, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and without forgetting the tensions raised during the Cold War… Have you already made accounts? If we add 50 more years, we can realize that we are at the epicenter of a new cycle.
Wait a minute, then why hasn’t there been an explosion like on previous occasions? The question resonates with more force if we consider the harshness of the 21st century, which has been plagued by adversities but has not yet exploded.
This can be attributed to the fact that human beings have learned the hard way that each new conflict is worse than the previous one. Considering how World War II ended, it is not surprising that many think that the next great conflict may be the last.
Meanwhile, society releases pressure with all kinds of evils that can be seen in xenophobia, racism, as well as the class and gender struggles that prevail today.
Don’t you just believe that this is possible? So let’s take the study back to realize that 1820 coincides with the last years of the Napoleonic Wars and the American Wars of Independence; that 1770 connects with the American War of Independence; that 1720 brings us to the War of the Quadruple Alliance… we could go on and on and the evidence would remain the same.
Do you remember all the times that #ThirdWorldWar has been a trend in networks in recent years?
Should we be worried?
We already are! At times it seems that we live in a world dominated by hatred and discontent. As if this were not enough, every time the possibility of a new conflict appears, a wave of uncertainty arises before a possible end.
It happened with the friction between the United States and North Korea during the Trump era, most recently with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.. Just out of curiosity, do you remember all the times that #ThirdWorldWar has been a trend in networks in recent years? We already lost count.
The data is discouraging. Even so, most social studies agree that our species has become increasingly peaceful and that conflicts are on the decline. Or what is the same, that there is hope for humanity. Will this good omen come true? No study can give us the answer, since it is found in ourselves.