In Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, there are instances where protagonists like Yudhisthira and Sri Rama tried to avoid war through peaceful means and negotiations, demonstrating the importance of diplomacy and conflict avoidance. On the other hand, antagonists like Duryodhana and Ravana rejected proposals for peace, leading to destructive wars. This illustrates that the rejection of diplomacy can have dire consequences. It emphasizes the perpetuation of violence through cycles of revenge. When a warrior or a nation is defeated in war, the desire for vengeance may drive them to seek further conflict, making the problem of war more complex. The reference to the two world wars suggests that the first world war served as a precursor to the second due to the unresolved issues and resentments that persisted. The war is closely linked to exploitation and imperialism. Powerful nations often exploit weaker ones, and when the exploited seek justice, they may resort to war. Thus, the eradication of atrocities and injustice is essential to prevent conflicts.
The solution to war is not more war but rather addressing the root causes of conflicts, which includes stopping exploitation and injustice. Only when these underlying issues are resolved can the cycle of violence be broken. The importance of diplomacy, justice, and conflict resolution in preventing wars and highlights the dangers of perpetuating violence through a cycle of revenge. It underscores the need for addressing the underlying causes of conflicts to achieve lasting peace.
