What ultimately drives war?

The power of human will is a fundamental driving force behind war as it encapsulates the motivations, desires, and resolve of individuals and groups to pursue their goals, often in opposition to others. Throughout history, human will has manifested in various forms—from the assertion of national identity and the pursuit of freedom to the defense of perceived rights or interests. These motivations are often rooted in deeper human emotions such as ambition, fear, honor, and vengeance, driving collective action that can lead to conflict.

While alliances, resources, and personal vendettas play significant roles in shaping the nature and scale of warfare, it is the underlying human will that ignites these factors into action. A strong alliance might enhance military capability, resource availability can sustain a campaign, and the desire for revenge can fuel animosity, but none of these elements can mobilize a nation or group towards conflict as effectively as the fundamental human resolve to achieve goals, whether they are ideological, territorial, or economic. This human element remains a core component of what initiates and sustains warfare across different cultures and eras.