During a war, it may seem that the people believe the opposing side is a monster, an enemy that must be destroyed at all costs. Propaganda paints the enemy as demons with no redeeming qualities and soldiers attack enemy soldiers with no mercy. However, a country does not simply mean a piece of land but the culture and mindsets of people. The leaders are only individuals who make up a small percentage of the country. While they aim to make the country a better environment for all, they are only human beings who exhibit flaws in character. The leaders of countries can make poor decisions, such as the choice to go to war.
Many may justify that in some cases, the people of the country are those that wish to wage war, to seek glory and possibly
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This was apparent in the World War I Christmas Truce, when there was an unofficial suspension of hostilities between the German and the British soldiers to celebrate this occasion. Some soldiers even celebrated with the enemy soldiers as they believed that Christmas was a time of goodwill. The soldiers were simply following orders to attack the enemy, and may have even unsure what they were even fighting for. When they put down their weapons, they realised that their so-called enemies were human too, like themselves. These “enemies” had children, wives, and may even be living with their parents, so many soldiers from different sides remained friends long after the truce had ended despite resuming fighting after Christmas. The soldiers were merely following what the leaders of their countries wanted, because if the decision to go to war had been left up to the soldiers without the influence of propaganda, they would avoid these conflicts. This shows that the people do not truly go to war, it is their leaders that go to war.
World peace is possible if leaders avoid making the impulsive decision to attack other countries. With independent sources of media and the advent of democracy, it is now more difficult of leaders to motivate their people to go to war and it is less likely that poor leaders are chosen to command a country. It is not unfeasible for every person to fight his or her flaws to become a happier, wiser person who would not fight with others. Therefore, world peace is indeed