HOW TO END WAR (June 2025)

Not only is there a lot to absorb, but you also need to be able to filter out false information, and this requires additional attention. I started this process, and it’s ongoing and probably something I will continue until my dying day.

I feel this sort of work and ‘due diligence’ is demanded of anyone who actually wishes to share opinions on this complex subject of war, because it is literally about life and death. I get very annoyed with people who share injurious TikTok videos and opinions on X or Facebook, with their limited sources of information, bias, and overall ignorance, all blatantly obvious to me. Of course, social media has also been weaponized, another subject for another article.

The last thing I want to do is a disservice to those who have lost loved ones. I genuinely want to write with the utmost respect for those who have suffered. If this is you, or a member of your family, I want to say, I wish this had not happened, and while this article is not likely to bring you peace, I hope it does inspire for you, and everyone else reading, some cause for reflection on why we war, and with that, the understanding that we are all complicit, in some way or another, to the mechanisms that enable war. You read that part too fast. Let me say it again, and this is a hard pill to swallow, but it’s extremely true. We are all complicit, in some way or another, to the mechanisms that enable war.

Hold up, Jean-Pierre, are you blaming us for war? Yes, all of us. I tend to, after research, always land on the stepping stone of accountability. My approach overall is in stark contrast to how so many people, especially on social media, treat the subject of war, for example, how so many congratulate actions that cause harm, cheering on a side as if it were a soccer team scoring a goal. It saddens me so deeply that people can assign so little value to the life of others and condone and even promote violence as the solution. It is ironic that in many of these instances, the champions of harm are also advocating for their religion.

Religion is a major catalyst for conflict and requires its own article to unpack why. While many wars have a religious foundation, they are not the core reasons for why we war. Tackling religion will distract from the purpose of this article, but I want you to know it is one of the many subjects I study because it is a massive influence and shapes the future of not only our communities and businesses but even environmental matters.

Another major trend and influence, which won’t get much airtime in this article, but one that also deeply saddens me, is the use of innocents and civilians as shields or ‘collateral’ in warfare. This is a widely accepted and far-practiced part of war and is absolutely terrible. Without men, there is no war, and let me make it clear, it’s men who have made the decision to use other people, most often innocent ones, as part of their strategy in warring.

I get no pleasure in saying the mindset of a soldier is that of a dedicated, subservient, distracted, often honourably ignorant, proud fool. Armies, navies, air forces, tactical teams, and the teams that manage them are a ‘special’ breed of human, and the institutions that house them, and those that work there, are often incentivized and rewarded for embracing some of the worst qualities of humanity. Millions upon millions have bought into the idea and then dedicated themselves to the causes and actions of war, and also to the men who declare war. These are prehistoric notions which should have passed 2000 years ago. Our moral and ethical compass has not moved much at all. The concept of patriotism must be revisited, because one can be proud of a nation and wish to defend what is good, but killing in the name of a country is a unacceptable justification. I have learned about far too many young egotistical men happy to pick up a gun and kill another young man and for reasons they don’t even understand.

Let’s get back onto the core purpose of this article. The takeaway I hope is that some of my readers will be in the position one day to influence positive change, and prevent, or at least reduce, the loss and harm associated with war and conflict. Yes, you, dear reader, reading this now, you might one day be in a boardroom, with some people making important decisions, and this article might pop into your head. If it does, remember, change requires the brave, and you might be in the right spot at the right time. Many ‘willing war on’ are often in boardrooms of corporate companies or government departments. War is rarely declared by those who actually fight on the battlefield, and most decisions are made from a position of safety and often even comfort.

Ruffling feathers or upsetting a few will be worth it. Do not forget the damage, loss, and pain caused by war, and believe in your potential to help someone’s family, or colleague, or perhaps some members of your own community. I do acknowledge that you personally might not be able to end a war, but you might be able to make it much harder for some people to start one or profit off it. After all, ‘some armies’ internal motto is first to defend the flow of money, not civilians. You won’t be alone in this cause; many have stood up against war. A good book to read if you need a recommendation is “The Greatest Evil is War” by Chris Hedges.

Why do we war at all?

The answer to why we war is very simple. We all have beliefs, needs, and ego. Humans need space to exist, thrive, and persevere. We seek territory and resources, in the many forms they come in. Tribalism is actually a survival mechanism, developed during evolution. We prefer to collaborate with people who appear similar to us, and that goes far beyond our looks, and extends to personal values. Humans war to protect their tribe, territory, resources, and beliefs. It’s hardwired into our DNA, and feels extremely natural to act upon and justify.

Also hardwired into our DNA is the desire for reward. The ‘War Machine’ incentivizes the endeavours of conflict, with either a personal promotion, financial reward, or offering extra status and power. Not only for the soldiers and their commanders, but also for government officials and corporate leaders. Gratuity extends much further. For example, take a moment to think about how media houses report on conflict, driving traffic to their sites, and so forth. People love to read about conflict and that is monetized. Media is also used to, at best, curate information or, at worst, control it. The role of media in war also deserves its own article.

A lot has changed in the world since our DNA became what it is. There are better ways of doing things. Acknowledging that there are better ways to do things first requires acceptance that we are wrong. In the society we have built, including our systems of trade and politics, an individual denouncing ‘our structures’ and ‘our governments’ can be career suicide.

To end war for good, trade, economics, politics, and even how we manage sovereign states need to be ‘updated.’ I am not advocating for communism, socialism or even good old democracy. No, there are far better and more modern ways of thinking and doing things in 2025, but this appears to be reserve for the brave only. For now, there is going to be an ever-growing battle with ethics and the challenge of sustainability and equitable sharing of resources. The way we produce, share, consume, and waste— manage our territories and care for our tribes— means we cannot provide for all. The math does not add up, the computer does not compute. Our current system requires losers in order to continue. What we have built requires suffering so a few can prosper. It’s a really very sick and primitive system.

Without this, the USAs economy would crash, millions would lose jobs, and civil unrest would surge to an intensity unimaginable in a first-world country. Keeping this ‘business’ alive has required constant political will, legislative manipulation, weaponizing the banking sector and the US dollar, and imposing tariffs, penalties, and unfavourable trade deals (often under cover or false pretences) on other countries, leaders, and groups worldwide.

I don’t mean to be prejudiced against America—many wonderful things have come from this country—but the root cause of many wars, directly or indirectly, often points back to the involvement of the USA. Is the world safer because of America? They are wealthier because of war, while many other nations have become much poorer because of it. Inequality breeds conflict.  

It’s also important to acknowledge that South Africa and many other African countries profit immensely from war and arms trade.  

To end war abruptly would likely trigger a global recession, and perhaps the collapse of the banking sector as we know it. The resistance to change, driven by fears of economic repercussions, will be strong enough to maintain this industry.

How do we tackle ‘burning the candle from both ends? We must replace old systems while deconstructing them. Education is the core focus of all the work I do, and there are many ‘future jobs’ and industries in the waiting if we just directed the same level of energy, finance, and attention that we did and do towards building machines that kill and training people who operate them.

One of the sectors we need to address particularly is gas, petrol, and diesel. These industries play prominent roles in virtually every war story, even more so than the appearance of the USA, though they are often co-stars. The manufacturing, supply and trade of fossil fuels are some of the greatest catalysts of war—and they are also used to finance conflicts and maintain their momentum. Energy supply is also a centre factor with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There are numerous sneaky financing models for war all over the world, including those built into NATO. A good example to research is the relationship between the USA and Iran. War is rarely a geopolitical solution, but almost almost a commercial one.

Remember what I said earlier? There are better ways to do things. We can find alternative means to provide power and fuels to our communities—ways that are sustainable and less destructive. Why has this not happened yet? Follow the money. Those profiting from fossil fuels will do whatever they can to protect their livelihoods.

I was in Egypt some time ago, working in a lounge on my laptop when a young man approached me. With a big smile, he politely asked if he could speak to management about turning down the music—how courteous I thought. He explained he needed to work, and the music made it hard to focus. We started talking, and I learned his name was Jonathan Rashad. His work has appeared on the cover of Time Magazine. He’s a photojournalist, documentary photographer, and writer focusing on humanitarian issues. He’s worked in South Africa, and I recommend checking out his feature called “Segregation in the Western Cape” at www.jonathanrashad.net/projects.

That evening, after finishing his work, he invited me to a private tour of some of his projects at his apartment. Impressive work (you can also see some of it on his site). Later, we got onto the subject of war, and it was then I realized just how naive I was.

Jonathan had started off the subject with a passionate intensity to engage with me — but it then turned to disappointment— when he too realized my level of ignorance, for example, how little I knew about the war in Gaza. I didn’t even have a clear understanding of the concept of Zionism. He questioned me about several aspects, and I stumbled over my answers, like I sometimes do in my keynote talks.

While the entire night ended on a bit of an embarrassing note, it was also very refreshing because I enjoy being challenged. I left feeling inspired to learn more, and perhaps if this article does one thing, it’s for you to do the same.

Since that night, I have read a great deal more, including articles Jonathan shared with me. I have read books, the Son of Hamas, Everything You Need to Know About Ukraine, and The Spoils of War, to name just a few. I’ve watched many documentaries (most unpleasant to consume), engaged in constructive debates, and I keep my finger on the pulse of the latest events as best as I can.

To conclude, here is my answer on how to end war, and why we war at all?

To war is to be human, and we must overcome this instinct. There is no good war. There is no innocent commander and chief. All victims are worthy of our attention. Always pick the side of the innocent.

There is no reputable institution with brave people to prevent war. The UN security council is not the solution. We need to lobby for a new entity that is not over powered by the USA or any other nation with superior forces for war.

Taxpayers and corporations fund war. The majority of voters and passivists enable those who declare war. Use your power at the voting station. You have influence and therefore power over how your taxes are spent and where your investments go. War is not the answer, and only a primitive, egotistical, and self-serving mindset advocates for it as a solution to problems.

War will continue until it becomes unprofitable and leaders are put into power who can offer the alternatives we urgently need—solutions that address jobs and resource security without destruction. Do what you can to make this happen.

Peace be with you.

The END.