With the escalation of conflict in Iraq, it is apparent that we must examine the very nature of war itself. Specifically, we must analyze the purpose that war serves in a capitalist economy and society. After doing this, we will come to realize that wars waged by capitalist powers cannot be separated from imperialism. Capitalism breeds wars that are inherently imperialistic.

Wars are the result of economic competition both domestically and abroad. The capitalist class of one country competes with that of another for land, raw materials and other economic resources. As these things exist within the realm of economics, it can be deduced that war occurs as an economic phenomenon.

As is the case with the current conflict in Iraq, war is justified by the capitalist class as being necessary to defend “national interests.” These “interests,” if it is agreed that war is an economic occurrence, can be more simply described as economic resources.

Since the proletariat comprises the majority of the nation, yet owns little outside of the ability to sell its labor, it is seen that war is not fought for “national interests” at all. War serves to further exploit resources and the proletariat, where the resources are the main goal of war, and the proletariat is simply cannon fodder to excise them from the “enemy.”

Thus it is clear that continued conflict in Iraq does not serve the vast majority of people involved. As war is an inherent product of capitalism, war cannot be removed until capitalism is overthrown — that is, until political rule is held directly by the masses.

Marshall Kole

Senior

History