The Art of War or the Art of Legislating the Inhuman

The Art of War or the Art of Legislating the Inhuman

Humanity, in its great wisdom, has not only engaged in wars but has also attempted to organize them. This paradox deserves particular attention, for if humanity has dedicated so much effort to regulating war, why hasn’t it invested similar energy in organizing peace? Here, let us cite Machiavelli, whose work The Prince (1532) highlights a timeless reality: "War is just for those to whom it is necessary." But what about the true cost of this “necessity”?

The Laws of War – Organizing Chaos

War is surrounded by international laws, conventions, and treaties that try to limit its worst excesses. Among the most well-known are the Geneva Conventions, drafted to protect civilians, prisoners of war, and to prohibit certain weapons and tactics. The 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, for example, bans their use, although that hasn’t stopped some states from finding loopholes to circumvent these prohibitions.

The Hague Conventions, introduced as early as 1899, also establish frameworks regarding attacks on civilian targets and the protection of cultural property, though we regularly see these very assets destroyed in conflicts. These well-intentioned laws attempt to contain chaos, yet they are often ignored or bypassed on the battlefield. There are “rules of the art” in war, but what about the “rules of peace”? Why aren’t the latter as universally applied and respected?

The Arms Dealers – The Hidden Faces Behind Conflict

Behind every modern war is a thriving industry: the arms trade. Arms dealers, though rarely in the spotlight, are central actors in the continuation of conflicts. Major weapons manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Dassault Aviation provide the necessary tools for destruction while often staying far from public scrutiny.

Their role in arming belligerents raises deep ethical and moral questions. If the International Criminal Court judges war crimes, why aren’t these companies, which profit from wars, also held accountable? Their influence on international policies is such that it is high time we consider their responsibility not only for past actions but also for those in the future.

Arms dealers operate in the shadows, but their influence is immense. They equip armies and sometimes even rebel groups, profiting from prolonged conflicts. It is more than time for their actions to be examined through the lens of international law because, without weapons, there would be no war. Their place in the International Criminal Court should be considered, not only for their past actions but also for their role in future conflicts that will continue to ravage the planet.

A Necessary Reform – Combatting Absurdity with Absurdity

In light of this reality, one question persists: why not completely rethink the organization of conflicts? After all, if we have thought so deeply about rules to limit abuses in war, why not reverse this process and propose a new, radical approach?

Imagine a world where political leaders themselves were forced to fight in an arena to settle their differences. No more wars of attrition that annihilate entire nations, but honest battles, bare-knuckled, among those who advocate violence. An arena in which they would have no choice but to demonstrate their courage—or cowardice—in full view of everyone. A direct way, if you will, to ensure that only those truly willing to risk their lives for their ideals could decide the fate of thousands of innocents.

Of course, this idea is absurd... or maybe not as much as it seems. If the rules of war are so detailed, why don’t we apply the same logic to protect peace? The billions invested each year in armaments could instead resolve crises that often provoke these very conflicts.

Conclusion – Transforming the Art of War into the Art of Peace

In the end, organizing war, however absurd, reveals a fundamental truth about humanity: we have the capacity to legislate, to control, and to manage the worst. Yet it is time to turn this ability toward a more noble goal: peace. Let’s replace the rules that govern destruction with those that protect life, nature, and infrastructure, and finally hold those who profit from war accountable for their actions.

Drawing from history, philosophers like Machiavelli, and the laws that have tried to civilize the uncivilizable, we must ask this question: if we have been able to organize war, why have we still not succeeded in organizing peace?

Suggested Sources for Further Exploration:

• The Prince by Machiavelli for reflections on war and power.
• The Geneva Conventions (1949 and amendments) and the Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907) for laws governing armed conflicts.
• The Chemical Weapons Convention (1997) and the Biological Weapons Convention (1972).
• Major arms companies like Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Dassault Aviation.
• The International Criminal Court for questions of accountability regarding war crimes.