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This interesting and thought-provoking book was published on behalf of the United Nations Association, first in England and now in the United States. One American and eight British psychologists and psychiatrists discuss various social, cultural and psychological factors which, in their opinion, are active in war and peace. Instead of rehashing historical events, this volume deals with psychological approaches to international conflicts.
The general orientation of this book is guided by the recognition that wars are not natural phenomena like hurricanes or earthquakes, but that wars start in the minds of men. Consequently, any examination of factors which produce wars or are active in the maintenance of peace lead to an inquiry into psychological-cultural-sociological dynamisms.
T. H. Pear, the editor, concerns himself with peace, war and culture patterns. He discusses the culture-personality theory of human behavior and the possible ramifications this theory may have for an understanding of war and peace. His conclusions are not too definite because the concept of 'culture patterns' is ambiguous and not universally understood. 'Is culture pattern judged by reference to the common people, to their leaders, especially those who speak and write with authority, to their heroes or to their idea personalities?' In spite of semantic and ideological differences, he feels that students of culture patterns '… all seem agreed: modern warfare is not due to simple instincts, nor is it inevitable'.
Dr. Eysenck surveys war and aggression from recent studies on social attitudes. Starting with an introduction to attitude methodology,