To what extent did competition for resources drive states to war?

Competition for resources has significantly driven states to war throughout history, often acting as a primary catalyst for conflict.

The scramble for resources has been a recurring theme in the history of warfare. This is particularly evident in the colonial era, where European powers engaged in numerous wars to secure valuable resources in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. For instance, the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the mid-19th century were largely driven by Britain's desire to secure a trade balance through the sale of opium, a valuable resource at the time. Similarly, the Boer Wars in South Africa were largely about control of the region's gold and diamond mines.

In the 20th century, resource competition continued to be a significant driver of conflict. The Pacific theatre of World War II, for example, was largely driven by Japan's desire to secure oil and other resources in Southeast Asia, which were crucial for its industrial and military expansion. The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 is another example where the quest for oil resources led to a major international conflict.

Moreover, the competition for resources is not limited to tangible commodities like gold or oil. Control over strategic territories, such as trade routes or fertile lands, has also been a significant cause of wars. The Peloponnesian War in ancient Greece, for instance, was partly driven by Athens' desire to control trade routes in the Aegean Sea.

In the contemporary world, the competition for resources continues to be a potential source of conflict. The ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, for example, are largely about control of rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves. Similarly, water scarcity has been identified as a potential trigger for future conflicts in regions like the Middle East and North Africa.

In conclusion, while other factors such as ideology, nationalism, and power politics often play a role in the outbreak of wars, the competition for resources has been a significant and consistent driver of conflict throughout history. It is a testament to the fundamental role that resources play in shaping the economic and strategic interests of states.