The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Economist Chris Blattman identifies intangible incentives, such as vengeance, nationalist ideals, or securing a place in history, as powerful drivers for war. These motivations are not rational or material, but rather enduring preferences that can push countries towards conflict despite its high costs.
“Values and ideals. Things that only war can deliver.”
“The extermination of a of an ideology or an ethnic group that you loathe, the idea you hold for your ethnic group or your nationalist ideal, or the place you want in history.”
“In vengeance is a very powerful example.”
“They're not a rational, they're they're just enduring preferences.”