War is often described as a continuation and extension of politics. However, to equate war with political negotiations and discussions does not make sense. It is the most unproductive and most futile way of settling political issues.

For starters, war leads to too many difficulties and complications. From death of population; one of the most valuable resources of the country, to loss of natural resources towards the war effort – there is wastage all around. At the end of the day, the gains earned by the nation is bartered and frittered away in few years.

Just take a look at some of the big wars that have been fought in the world in the past few decades. In most cases, it was done to either restore balance of power or to tilt the balance irretrievably in favor of one force. However, all these instances saw great and powerful nations ending up with a bloody nose despite the fact that the opponent nation was many times smaller and may times weaker.

On the whole, the military consumes too much resources and provides very little benefit. Instead of fighting a war, it makes more sense to spend many years thrashing out a political settlement. Of course, the results were not be as glamorous and spectacular as use of force would be. However, the results that these negotiations will bring forth will be permanent.

From a strictly economic point of view and with an eye on long term benefits, there is absolutely no denying that peaceful negotiations are much better than war. If one includes the social cost of war and impact of telling the population that it is acceptable to kill others just because they are the enemy, one realizes that wars can be very harmful for the social fabric and for the well being of any nation.