Whilst we tend to dismiss conflict as unnecessary and
unproductive, the reality is quite different, and to acknowledge
this fact is not to glorify conflict. Indeed, and although not to
be judged by modern standards, much of our history was actually
forged in conflict. Many of the achievements we marvel at today
were also made possible by conflict. Without conflict there would
be no competition, no diversity, no individual and indeed even no
democracy.
Conflict has defined human endeavour since humans first
organised themselves into communities (or tribes) and came into
contact with one another. Like wild animals that characteristically
show aggressive behaviour towards other neighbouring animals and
instinctively know that survival depends on protecting (or
acquiring new) sources of food (territory), much of our history has
been based on geographical conflicts for the same reasons. It may
have started as an incursion, raid or even skirmish, but as
populations grew,
