War has always been a major event that shapes human history, shaping everything from politics to economics to social norms. One of its most significant impacts is on how people think about their futures. In times of peace, individuals can plan for years ahead, making long-term financial investments and educational plans.
During wartime, this is often impossible. Instead, they must focus on survival, leading to changes in their understanding of commitment. This article will explore the effects of war on future planning and how it changes the meaning of commitment.
Before delving into this topic, let us define some key terms. Commitment refers to one's dedication to something, such as marriage or employment. Future planning involves setting goals for the future and developing strategies to achieve them. War disrupts this process by forcing people to change their priorities and actions. It also makes traditional commitments difficult due to instability and uncertainty. When these factors are present, commitment becomes more complicated, challenging to maintain, and even dangerous.
In times of conflict, individuals may need to abandon long-term goals and shift towards short-term needs.
Couples who had planned to have children might find themselves unable to do so due to the stress and danger of warfare. Similarly, those with professional ambitions may be forced to work odd jobs or even join the military instead of pursuing their dream careers. These changes cause people to rethink what matters most and question their past choices. As a result, commitment becomes less stable and predictable, requiring constant adaptation and flexibility.
War also affects family relationships, leading to greater emotional distance between loved ones. Parents may have to leave their children behind or go abroad for extended periods without knowing when they will return. In these cases, families become scattered, making it harder to keep up with everyone's lives.
Communication can be limited, causing misunderstandings and frustration. All of this adds strain to the bond between partners, potentially breaking down trust and intimacy. Therefore, commitment is impacted differently depending on individual circumstances but always requires adjustment in wartime.
Wartime often leads to political changes, altering how people view societal norms. Societies that experience war tend to emphasize security over freedom, stability over innovation, and conformity over creativity. This mindset is reflected in cultural products such as literature, art, and media.
Soldiers returning from battle often portray a "heroic" masculinity that glorifies violence, aggression, and patriotism. Such imagery shapes public opinion and influences interpersonal dynamics within society. It creates a sense of unity through sacrifice and selflessness while suppressing individual desires and feelings. Thus, people learn to prioritize group loyalty over personal interests, changing their views on relationships and commitments.
Wartime reshapes our understanding of commitment by forcing us to rethink traditional future plans. Individuals must adapt to new challenges, priorities, and values, resulting in less predictable outcomes. War disrupts family life, creating emotional distance and uncertainty about the future. It also alters social norms, shaping collective identity and influencing how we think about love and intimacy. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain long-term goals or expectations in times of conflict. Instead, we must accept change and embrace flexibility when planning for the future.
How does war reshape the meaning of commitment when traditional future planning becomes almost impossible?
During wars, individuals become exposed to many uncertainties about their future, such as death, injuries, displacement, loss of loved ones, and destruction of property and resources. These factors make it difficult for people to plan for tomorrow and redefine their priorities. They are forced to live each day at a time because there is no guarantee that tomorrow will come (Ryan et al. , 2018).