Why does war still exist when it seems to have little utility compared with its costs? Why is it such a persistent feature of human existence? Are humans biologically doomed to have wars? Are there cultural factors that cause war or exacerbate our tendency to fight? Is there any hope that humans will kick the habit? Are activists wasting their time when they go on peace marches? What should people do to stop war? How could countries better avoid confrontations?

War has been examined from many angles, and much has been learned about factors that cause it and actions that could prevent it. Cramer will survey some of the leading findings.

Cramer is an assistant professor of political science at the UO, where she teaches courses on the the causes and prevention of war, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, U.S. interventions in developing nations, and international relations. She graduated from Oberlin College and earned a Ph.D. in political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Our first question will be asked by Michael Williams, board member of Community Alliance of Lane County.