War and peace in the early 21st century: An introduction

Abstract

This introductory article critiques dominant, teleological social science narratives that position organised violence as a declining historical phenomenon. Instead, it asserts the structural centrality of warfare as a primary catalyst for institutional, political and societal transformation across human history. The author examines the dynamic relationship between organised violence and systemic social change, demonstrating how large-scale conflicts continue to reshape contemporary social orders. Finally, the text analyses the distinct features of war and peace in the modern era and provides a comprehensive overview of the nine academic contributions that compose this special issue.