Primate behaviour and the origins of war

Abstract

This paper draws attention to the importance of kinship relations in the social life of non‐human primates. Kinship links reduce the incidence of conflict between individuals, and bring about alliances between related individuals, in joint opposition to unrelated individuals. It is argued that man shares this psychology, which is a result of common evolutionary pressures. Primate studies are now making progress towards an understanding of the evolved characteristics of our psychology, and may eventually give us a clearer understanding of the psychology underlying war.

Key Words:

• Inclusive fitness
• Primate behaviour
• War