The Origins of War and Peace in the Human Species

An ambitious interdisciplinary study tracing the evolutionary roots of humanity's dual capacity for war and peace. Synthesising insights from twelve disciplines and dozens of species, it offers a groundbreaking account of their co-evolution. Essential for all readers interested in the origins of war and peace.

When, why, and how did we, humans, develop our distinctive and paradoxical inclinations for both war and peace? This groundbreaking book investigates that central question by drawing on cutting-edge research and an unprecedented range of evidence from thirteen disciplines: biology, primatology, comparative ethology, behavioural ecology, anthropology, archaeology, criminology, social psychology, linguistics, demography, genetics, neuroscience, and climatology. The book shows how the capacities for both war and peace co-evolved gradually over millions of years through a mosaic-like pattern, with distinct but interacting components emerging at different moments and becoming integrated over evolutionary time. This deep-rooted trajectory has been shaped by feedback loops among biological, cultural, and environmental forces. With its expansive temporal horizon, cross-species comparisons, and empirical richness, this book offers a sweeping new account – and an indispensable resource – for anyone interested in the origins of the Janus-faced inclination for both war and peace in the human species.