The Psychology of Modern Conflict

What does modern warfare, as fought by liberal societies, have in common with our human evolution? This study posits an important relationship between the two we have evolved to fight, and traditional hunter-gatherer societies were often violent places. But we also evolved to cooperate, to feel empathy and to behave altruistically towards others.

''Ken Payne provides a thoughtful account of the ways in which evolution has shaped the repertoire of reactions and responses that influence human behavior, and especially international relations. Unlike so much literature in evolutionary psychology, it is scientifically informed, nuanced non-deterministic in its argument, and not intended to support the status quo.'' Richard Ned Lebow, King's College London, UK

''Kenneth Payne offers keen insight into warfare and human nature to provide us with a better understanding of the evolutionary roots of conflict and cooperation. Those interested in interdisciplinary perspectives on international relations and strategic culture will, undoubtedly, find Evolutionary Psychology and Liberal Warfare to be an important and timely contribution to the study of the changing nature of military force in western societies.'' John Friend, University of Hawaii, Hawaii

''Kenneth Payne reveals the deeply complex nature of what it means to be a person at war through an invigorating examination of key psychological, cultural, and philosophical perspectives. Equally at home with empirical research, theoretical constructs, and first-hand accounts of combatants, Payne writes with a vibrant and engaging tone. He hits controversies and differences in opinion head on and asks searching questions. Payne does more than provide an insight into what it means to be a person at war. He gives an insight into what it means to be a person.'' Mark Burgess, Oxford Brookes University, UK

Autorentext

Dr Kenneth Payne is a lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King's College London and a research associate at the University of Oxford's Centre for International Studies. His research interests include International Relations Theory, with particular focus on Psychological and Constructivist theories of International Relations.

Inhalt

1. Introduction Part I 2. Violence and Human Nature 3. Classical Realists on Honour Part II 4. Reciprocal Altruism 5. Honour Part III 6. Liberal Society and War 7. Liberal Warriors 8. Liberal War Stories Conclusion: Heroic Warfare