Debate is a form of conflict conducted through words, arguments, and the ability to exchange ideas civilly among people we disagree with. But what happens when debate fails? Is violence then inevitable? What prompts leaders and countries to turn conflict into war? In this conversation with retired U.S. Army General David H. Petraeus and historian Lord Andrew Roberts, guest moderator Xenia Wickett speaks with them about their new book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, which examines global affairs and military engagement since World War II (1939-45). They also discuss how the current wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other parts of the world reflect the transformation of armed conflict over the last century, the impact of misinformation on diplomacy and policy, the morality of combat and what is considered a "just war," and how civil debate and conflict are intertwined.Audio Only.

Originally released by Open to Debate, 2024. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on June 06, 2024.