Host David Gornoski and social psychologist Richard Koenigsberg dig into the psychology of war. Drawing on his studies of World War I and Nazi Germany, Koenigsberg notes that nations often glory warfare—and dying for one’s country—as a sacred duty.
War becomes a blood sacrifice that unites the nation—not unlike ancient religious rituals. Leaders embrace warfare even when battles bring staggering losses.
While this sacrificial mindset dominated the Twentieth Century, Koenigsberg notes a sharp decline in casualties since the Vietnam War.
Are human beings moving away from a willingness to sacrifice lives in the name of national glory?
