Evolution of the phenomenon of war
Ewolucja fenomenu wojny

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyze the evolution of wars over the centuries andthe reasons for their occurrence. The author raises issues forming the basis of thinking aboutarmed conflicts from the perspective of researchers, state governments, the world of busi‑ness and ordinary citizens. A number of selected concepts of warfare by the most importantauthors of various eras were presented. Investigation of factors having influence on armedconflicts also contributed to the attempt to determine the impact of such factors as techno‑logical progress, geographical, political, social and other conditions, causing or reducingthe likelihood of war. In addition, four schools of warfare were presented regarding thesources of advantage between the parties of the conflict. An analysis of a number of cases,examples and views allowed specifying the author’s own view, leaning towards a rational‑istic theorem, propagated inter alia by JD Fearon. According to him, armed conflicts mainlybreak out when they are profitable or more favorable than other, peaceful alternatives.An important difference between the “old” and “new” wars is primarily the asymmetryof conflicts resulting not only from the technological, economic or social disproportion, butrather the possibility of remote impact, as some world powers do. This allows for a cheaperwar with a limited use of military force.

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