ON THE HUMAN TENDENCY TOWARD WAR

Written by Liliana Romero, PhD

The Drive for Dominance: War, Authoritarianism, and the Challenge of Regulating Our Nature

Throughout human history, war and authoritarianism have been unsettling constants. From conflicts between great nations to tensions within confined spaces, such as a school, a single pattern emerges: the human tendency to impose power over others. This phenomenon, far from being merely political or circumstantial, has deep roots in psychology, criminology, and the very structure of our brains.

From the perspective of evolutionary psychology, it is argued that the impulse toward dominance has an adaptive origin. In primitive contexts, competing for resources, territory, and status increased the likelihood of survival. This biological legacy persists to this day: the human brain continues to interpret threats, whether real or symbolic, as challenges that must be confronted or controlled. The activation of the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, facilitates rapid defensive or aggressive responses, often without rational mediation.

Criminology, for its part, has examined how these tendencies can escalate into structured patterns of violence and control. Theories such as that of coercive power suggest that when an individual or group perceives that they can impose their will without consequence, authoritarianism becomes a viable strategy. This can be observed in both political regimes and social microcosms: a student leader who intimidates others, a group that excludes another, or bullying dynamics that replicate power hierarchies.

In military conflicts between governments, these dynamics are amplified. The construction of an enemy, the dehumanization of the other, and the narrative of constant threat activate collective psychological mechanisms that legitimize violence. At the neurological level, reward circuits are reinforced when one's own group prevails, thereby consolidating identities based on opposition and dominance.

However, these very same tendencies can be observed in everyday scenarios. In a school, for instance, the struggle for social status can lead to authoritarian behaviors, students seeking control through intimidation or exclusion. This demonstrates that while the scale may change, the underlying psychological structure remains the same. In light of this reality, a crucial question arises: is it possible to regulate this impulse?

From the perspective of neuroscience, the answer is affirmative albeit complex. The human brain possesses a fundamental characteristic: plasticity. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions such as decision making, empathy, and impulse control can modulate the automatic responses of the limbic system. This is where what we might term a neuroscience of the spirit comes into play: an approach that integrates mindful practices to transform internal patterns.

Various well documented techniques support this possibility:

Mindfulness: Studies have demonstrated that regular practice reduces amygdala reactivity and strengthens the prefrontal cortex, enabling us to respond rather than merely react.

Cognitive Restructuring: Used in cognitive-behavioral therapy, this technique helps individuals question narratives of threat and dominance, replacing them with more balanced interpretations.

Empathy Training: Educational programs that foster perspective-taking have been shown to reduce aggressive and authoritarian behaviors.

Emotional Regulation: Techniques such as conscious breathing or reflective writing help individuals process intense emotions without resorting to dominance or imposition.

The final reflection points to an inherent tension: human beings possess the capacity both to dominate and to cooperate. History reveals both sides of this nature, yet the future depends on which path we choose to cultivate. Recognizing the root of our impulses does not imply justifying them, but rather assuming the responsibility to transform them.

True human evolution lies not in the conquest of others, but in self mastery.

Recommended reading on the origins of this human tendency CLICK HERE