M. Beallor

In his book, “The End of War,” John Horgan calls Steven Pinker “one of the most respected proponents of gene-centric theories of human behavior” – theories that Horgan rejects. Coincidentally, Pinker recently wrote a book on the same subject: “The Better Angels of Our Nature.” Pinker, with much research to back up his claims, also concludes that war is not inevitable and documents a long trend of a decline in violence.
Horgan reminds us in his book that the vast majority of warriors throughout history – “99%” – have been men. “Some men,” he wrote, “also seem especially predisposed to violence, including war.” Nonetheless, he does not believe that ending male domination of our political institutions will help to bring about peace. Pinker on the other hand, identifies the empowerment of women as one of five “broad forces” that responsible for a global decline in violence. I see the political empowerment of women as key to ending war. It is an upward trend that must be actively encouraged. Those of us who want to see an end to war, should encourage more women to seek public office, and to make a conscious effort to elect a Congress that is reflective of our gender balanced population. We can end war.