The Modern Peace: How Global Forces Are Making War Obsolete

The 20th century witnessed two world wars of unprecedented carnage, yet since 1945, the great powers have remarkably avoided direct conflict. Steven Pinker’s "The Better Angels of Our Nature" calls this the Long Peace — a historical anomaly where nuclear deterrence, economic ties, and diplomatic institutions have combined to prevent large-scale wars.

Nuclear weapons, by threatening mutual destruction, created a powerful disincentive for war. Concurrently, globalization intertwined economies, making war costly and counterproductive. International bodies like the United Nations provided forums for negotiation and conflict resolution, promoting norms against aggression.

Beyond state-to-state conflict, the New Peace describes a decline in genocides, civil wars, and organized violence since the Cold War. Improved governance, peacekeeping missions, and human rights advocacy have contributed to this positive trend, although challenges remain.

This modern peace is fragile but unprecedented, offering a hopeful model for how humanity can transcend its violent past. It underscores the importance of international cooperation, diplomacy, and institutions in maintaining stability.

Understanding these forces helps us appreciate the progress made and the work still needed to build a sustainable global peace.

For more insights, explore Pinker’s full analysis and expert reviews from international relations scholars. 1 3