Assignment 9: What is it good for?- Amanda Byerman

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

Thus reads the wisdom of Sun Tzu in "The Art of War". Our current definition of war has grown to essentially necessitate massive casualties (with the notable exception of the Cold War), however I believe that conflicts can often be settled without physical violence. The power of diplomacy is often underestimated- compromise and discussion are the most powerful tools we as human beings possess. So long as we and our leaders are able to understand the larger perspective of conflict, it is clear that the human cost of violent war far outweighs any benefits. After all, war won't make you a better country. It won't prove that you're "right". It won't show superiority. The death and destruction which occurs as a result of violent war are not worth it- ever. However, I believe that strategic relationships between nations or groups can help to quell conflict without spilling blood. Movements like tariffs on certain countries, demonstrations of non-violent power, and above all pointed diplomacy, can all result in an avoidance of violence and thus casualty, while preventing some future conflict.