Do Wars Happen Because People Lack Something? A Psychological Perspective

“Wars spring from human emotions, from fear, from pride, from the hunger for more.” – John Steinbeck

War has been a recurring phenomenon in human history, leading many to ask: Do people and nations fight because they lack something? From a psychological perspective, the answer is largely yes – conflicts often stem from perceived scarcity, insecurity, or unmet psychological needs. As Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs suggests, humans are driven by fundamental needs, and when these needs are threatened or unsatisfied, conflict becomes a means of resolution, survival, or dominance.

This article explores the psychology of war through scientific frameworks, rhetorical repetition (anaphora), idiomatic expressions, and historical quotes, revealing that war is often fueled by scarcity, fear, power struggles, and ideological convictions.

The Root of War: Scarcity and the Survival Instinct

“It is not the abundance of resources, but the lack of them, that often breeds war.”

Scarcity – whether real or perceived – breeds competition, and competition breeds conflict. Throughout history, wars have erupted when nations faced resource shortages or economic crises. Maslow’s first two levels – physiological and safety needs – highlight that access to food, water, and security is fundamental. When these are threatened, war becomes an act of desperation or strategic necessity.