ABSTRACT
War is a violent struggle between groups for political ends. Warfare is the conduct of war in its many forms. War, at its core, is an unending human condition as groups try to gain power, prestige, and identity at the expense of others. War is not the competition between groups of individuals for power or influence. It requires some semblance of hierarchy and purpose; in other words, an organizational component. In the Realist worldview, war is a competition for power. But it can be more. It can be for influence, advantage, revenge, or resources. Power is a major consideration, but power is not the only consideration. War can be local or global. It is violence between groups of humans, with a common motivation, for a political purpose. War can be defined by its underlying political purpose. There are not many examples of acts of violence that do not lead to war.
