When does war make sense and for whom?

War is one of the most tragic aspects of human existence. Yet, difficult as it may be to accept, there are moments when one must ask: can war ever make sense?

War is one of the most tragic aspects of human existence. Yet, difficult as it may be to accept, there are moments when one must ask: can war ever make sense?

The uncomfortable answer is yes – but only under very specific circumstances, and depending on perspective. It is relatively easy to justify war when waged in self-defence. Similarly, many can accept war as a means to correct a grave injustice.

But beyond these cases, the question becomes far more complex. The unfortunate reality is that many wars are driven less by necessity and more by economic and human ambition.

While ideological wars do exist, they are often intertwined with material interests. What is presented as ideology can, at times, mask deeper strategic or economic motives.

At its core, this type of conflict follows a simple logic: you have what I want, and I do not want to pay for it.

Consider Ukraine. Some argue the conflict is rooted in Russia’s perception of a Nato threat. Others point to the strategic and economic significance of eastern Ukraine – its industrial base, agricultural capacity and role in energy transit. In reality, both security and economic considerations are likely intertwined.

A similar complexity is evident in today’s conflict in the Gulf. Competing narratives seek to justify actions, yet the consequences are borne by populations far removed from the decision making.

The justification offered by some is that the presence of foreign military bases renders neighbouring states legitimate targets – but this reasoning is questionable, particularly when attacks fall on nations that have not actively participated in hostilities.

Why target the Gulf at all? Is the objective to disrupt global energy markets? To send a geopolitical message? To assert regional dominance ahead of shifting power dynamics?

These questions are difficult to answer with certainty. What is clear is that such actions can appear disproportionate to any clear financial or strategic return when viewed in isolation.

It is also worth noting that wars are often started by ageing men who have either never seen combat themselves or who stand to benefit politically and financially from the outcome. The personal cost to them is minimal. That burden falls on others.

If we examine who benefits most from war, the answer tends to unfold in two phases.

First, defence contractors. Wars drive demand for weapons, systems and military support, generating billions in contracts. Nations under threat continuously replenish and upgrade their defences, creating a cycle of expenditure that sustains the defence industry.

Second, reconstruction and support industries. Once the conflict subsides, damaged infrastructure – particularly in the oil and gas sector – will require extensive rebuilding. Companies specialising in these areas benefit significantly from the post-war recovery.

There is a third beneficiary worth mentioning: the media, both legacy and social.

Some journalists covering conflict deserve genuine recognition for their courage. Others, however, sensationalise death and destruction for clicks – a truly horrible way to gain fame through the suffering of others.

Ultimately, these financial gains come at the expense of nations and their people, who bear both the economic and human costs of conflict. My mother used to tell me that she often feels as though the world today is more dangerous than ever.

Yet, perhaps this perception is shaped by the sheer volume of information we now receive. In the past, news was limited and largely local. Today, we are exposed to a constant stream of global events – accurate or otherwise.

In such an environment, misinformation can spread easily, making it essential to verify what we hear, especially in times of war.

As long as human nature includes ambition and greed, conflict will remain part of our reality. The enduring question is not whether wars will occur – but whether they truly make sense.

War is money, and money fuels war.