23 June 2024, NIICE Commentary 11344
Sejal Sharma
War, frequently promoted as a necessary measure to neutralize threats or achieve political aims, consistently inflicts profound human, social, economic, and environmental damage. Across history, conflicts demonstrate how any short‑term gains are swiftly overshadowed by long‑term suffering and destruction. The Vietnam War stands as a vivid illustration of this tragic pattern. This paper explores the human cost, economic and social destruction, environmental impact, and moral contradictions of war, focusing on Vietnam, and proposes paths to prevent and ultimately eliminate armed conflict.
The most immediate toll of war is human life. Governments often send individuals into combat for political aims that may conflict with personal beliefs. Many service members are conscripted against their will, and their losses devastate families and nations. In Vietnam, over 58,000 American service members died, and estimates of Vietnamese deaths range from 2 to 3 million, including civilians. Survivors endure significant psychological damage, including post‑traumatic stress disorder, depression, and major difficulties reintegrating into civilian society. Civilians also suffer long‑lasting trauma, displacement, loss of livelihood, and broken families that persist long after the fighting ends.
War not only kills but also devastates economies and disrupts societies. The Vietnam War cost the United States approximately 168 billion dollars at the time, which converts to well over one trillion dollars in current value. These funds could have supported healthcare, education, and infrastructure instead of fueling a war with no enduring benefits. American families suffered financially and emotionally. Public confidence eroded as the war’s purpose became increasingly unclear, fueling a robust anti‑war movement and widespread protests. Instead of unity, the nation experienced division and social turmoil.
The environment is often a silent victim of war. Between 1962 and 1971, the U.S. Air Force launched an operation known as Operation Ranch Hand, where they sprayed herbicides out of which a large amount was Agent Orange (a defoliant chemical). The environmental consequences were staggering. Many areas lost vegetation permanently and became overrun with invasive species that hindered ecological recovery. Soil erosion, water contamination, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem collapse followed. The chemical dioxin persisted for decades, contaminating food and water and entering the human food chain. Human health suffered massively as studies have shown increased rates of birth defects, cancer, and chronic illness among both U.S. veterans and Vietnamese civilians.
War is often waged under noble banners of freedom, democracy, and security, but its results often betray these ideals, revealing deep moral paradoxes. Soldiers fight in wars they may oppose, protesters are called cowards, soldiers are called heroes, all caught in a system that devalues humanity. The Pentagon Papers, officially titled "Report of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Task Force", was commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in 1967. In June of 1971, small portions of the report were leaked to the press and widely distributed. However, the publications of the report that resulted from these leaks were incomplete and suffered from many quality issues. When The New York Times began publishing excerpts on June 13, 1971, the Nixon administration sought to block further publication. On June 30, 1971, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously against prior restraint, affirming the primacy of press freedom under the First Amendment.
War rarely produces true winners. Military success often yields social and moral ruin. North Vietnam’s victory came after decades of brutality on April 30, 1975. The United States was unable to achieve its objectives, and both nations were left in shambles after the collapse of this lasting conflict. Heavy civilian casualties, shredded societies, and damaged trust define war’s legacy. Soldiers and civilians alike return to lives diminished by loss. Economic depletion and institutional distrust linger long after treaties are signed.
War recurs because human nature, politics, and territorial ambitions repeat the same tragic cycles. Despite lessons from World Wars I and II, newer wars arise driven by power plays, ideological clashes, and fear of losing their international standing. Current examples include the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which echo past errors despite available diplomatic alternatives. This recurrence calls into question whether society can truly learn from history or if it remains trapped in a cycle of violence.
Despite its long record of failure, war can be addressed and prevented. We must strengthen our ability to be able to mediate through diplomatic practices to resolve disputes peacefully before escalation. To build lasting peace and stability, it is essential to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and political exclusion, through equitable development and access to quality education. Reducing stockpiles of conventional weapons of mass destruction is also critical to limiting the means of violence. It is equally important to hold leaders accountable by demanding transparency and ethical standards in decisions related to military action. Educating future generations to value empathy, understand conflict resolution, and grasp the human cost of war can help shape a more peaceful future. Multilateral and minilateral partnerships, such as the Quad and the RCEP, show how nations, including Vietnam, can collaboratively address complex challenges while balancing inclusivity and effectiveness.
Vietnam remains a stark warning. While unilateral intervention gained ground during the Cold War, global issues now require shared responses. Regional and issue‑based coalitions offer more nuanced frameworks for peace. However, their success depends on equitable participation. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar argues that combining multilateralism and minilateralism can yield effective global problem solving. The current crisis in Ukraine, Gaza, and elsewhere shows that diplomacy is still underused. These conflicts reflect a persistent failure to apply Vietnam’s lessons.
War’s inevitability lies in its ability to destroy dignity, peace, and progress. From propaganda and chemical warfare in Vietnam to broken promises and ecological ruin, every aspect of war betrays its stated goals. Humanity must reject violence and choose dialogue, empathy, and partnership instead. In a world facing common challenges from climate change to inequality, a peaceful global society must replace conflict as the default. The future depends on compassion and communication, not conquest.
Sejal Sharma is currently pursuing her High School at Sri Venkateshwar International School, New Delhi, India.
