institutional-peace-protections
Democracy, human rights, and stigmatization of conquest as aggression serve as cultural and institutional safeguards against war and violence.
1 chapter across 1 book
What Should We Be Worried About: Real Scenarios That Keep Scientists Up at Night (2013)John Brockman
The chapter explores the intersection of sociopolitical forces and science, emphasizing the widening divide between scientific elites and the general public. It critically examines common fears about war, resource scarcity, climate change, and technology, arguing that psychological and ideological factors such as narcissistic leadership, groupism, and utopian ideologies pose greater risks to global peace than physical resources or advanced weaponry. The chapter also highlights the importance of cultural values and institutions in maintaining peace and warns of their potential erosion.