The concept of war is complex, with many competing definitions. As a student of war, it is important to pay attention to the various definitions proposed by different authors. Some of these definitions conceal the author’s philosophical or political viewpoint, causing students to interpret their proposed definitions differently. But in any case, a thorough examination of the concepts behind war will help to illuminate the complexities of this complicated concept. In this article, I will briefly discuss some of the most influential definitions of war.

The OED’s definition of war is a good place to start. This approach allows more flexibility than the OED, and can be applied to wars between states and non-state actors. It also allows for the study of culturally evolved wars and guerrilla uprisings. In contrast to the OED’s definition, the working definition of war does not require a declaration of war and includes conflicts that take place spontaneously.

Philosophers disagree about the role of morality in war, and many argue that morality is discarded in the process. Others believe that it is important to remind warriors of the moral ends and relations of war. Furthermore, people who go to war undergo rituals that symbolically mark their departure from civil society and reintegration back into it. It may be worth mentioning that these rituals are also used to explain the transition from one level of morality to another.

Besides the physical damage, war also affects the health of civilian populations. Many times, civilians suffer more casualties than professional soldiers. According to UN Women, 90% of the casualties of contemporary conflicts are civilians. The majority of them are children and women. Women are particularly vulnerable, and rape is a weapon of war used to humiliate and dominate communities. The impact of war on women is enormous, and it goes beyond mere death.

One of the most significant consequences of war is the mental health of civilians. According to studies, the prevalence of mental disorders increases following wars. Women, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable. These statistics correlate with the extent of trauma and the availability of physical support. Additionally, religious coping mechanisms are common in developing countries. However, there is no universal remedy for war. One way to stop the violence is to enact a comprehensive international law on war.

Governments can issue war bonds to raise capital for military operations. The primary purpose of these bonds is to fund military expenditures. The primary advantage of war bonds is that they are sold at a discount compared to current market values. In addition, war bonds were available for retail investors during WW1. The strong propaganda that accompanied their issuance encouraged many to buy these bonds. This helped the US government raise over 20 billion dollars during the war. But it also increased the amount of debt and therefore the level of inflation.