[riggins]

Does anyone realistically believe you will go to war with China or Russia anymore?

Historically there have been military conflicts between superpowers. So I'd say its incumbent on those claiming we won't have wars to explain what's changed and why we won't have anymore major military conflicts.

[jkl32]

Globalization, trade, and the nuclear deterrent.

[orf]

The nuclear deterrent is the only valid point, and that's a shaky one.

[riggins]

The nuclear deterrent is the only valid point, and that's a shaky one.

I agree with this.

WRT global trade, I couldn't find the source, but I vaguely remember an article that pointed out that global trade made up a similar percentage of economic activity prior to WWI and was offered as a reason why there wouldn't be another global war.

The other factor to consider is the consequence if you're wrong. You want to take the chance of another Hitler or Stalin coming to power and not being able to stop them?

[jacquesm]

> You want to take the chance of another Hitler or Stalin coming to power and not being able to stop them?

That presumes some foreknowledge about where that will happen. No part of the world is immune from a Hitler or Stalin coming to power, so for all you know he'll inherit those toys.

[riggins]

that's a strong rebuttal

[tsotha]

Trade isn't actually a good deterrent to war. Prior to WW II all the combatants had robust trade, particularly France and Germany.