Wars without winners: the perpetual nature of 21st century conflicts

Warfare has long defined human civilisation, evolving from the the Roman Empire to the protracted struggles of the 21st century. Historically, been characterised by clear outcomes, in which one side has emerged victorious and the other has faced defeat. This binary resolution has often led to a restoration of peace. In contrast, modern conflicts frequently blur the lines of victory and defeat, manifesting as enduring streams of atrocities that inflict profound suffering on civilians and devastate the environment. Hence, this discussion seeks to explore the contrasts between ancient and modern warfares, emphasising how contemporary conflicts differ in duration, impact, and resolution.