Why War Never Sleeps: Exploring the Three Images That Explain Global Conflict

From ancient battles to modern-day crises, war has been a constant companion to humanity. But beneath the headlines and battlefield reports lies a deeper question: what drives this relentless cycle of conflict? Kenneth Waltz’s three images theory offers a compelling answer by dissecting the causes of war into three distinct yet interconnected levels.

The first image focuses on human nature, where the duality of reason and passion plays out. Humans are capable of empathy and cooperation, yet also prone to selfishness, pride, and aggression. This internal tension explains why individuals and leaders sometimes choose war despite the costs.

Moving to the second image, we examine the internal structures of states. Democracies, with accountable governments and social cohesion, tend to be less war-prone with each other, while authoritarian regimes may resort to war to maintain control or pursue expansion. However, no state operates in a vacuum; internal politics are just one piece of the puzzle.

The third image reveals the anarchic nature of the international system—there is no overarching authority to enforce rules or resolve disputes. States must rely on self-help, leading to security dilemmas where defensive preparations by one country are seen as threats by others. This dynamic fuels arms races, alliances, and sometimes preemptive wars.

Historical examples abound: the balance of power politics in Europe, the Cold War’s nuclear standoff, and ongoing regional conflicts all illustrate these forces at work. Even noble peace efforts can be complicated by mistrust and competition for relative gains, where states worry about who benefits more from cooperation.

Understanding these three images helps us grasp why peace is so difficult to achieve and why conflict persists despite our best efforts. It also highlights the need for nuanced, multi-level strategies that address individual psychology, state governance, and systemic constraints simultaneously.