Is it the leaders or the states that cause wars?

[phk]

 is it the leaders or the states that cause wars?

[phk]

Can you be more specific as to what you mean?

First, Second, Third Image theories.. if that gives a hint.

[Giant Saguaro]

The way I interpret the question is, are wars avoidable and are caused by leaders of nations for their own gain (land, politics, etc.) or are wars part of a larger cyclical political pattern that are basically unavoidable? I lean toward the latter more than the first with the way I understand human nature, but there are elements of the first in wars, sure. I'd probably argue the the former is part of the latter, actually. But I may be interpreting the question differently, as I don't have much of a theory / philosophy background.

[The Constitarian]

   Since Lincoln initiated the first executive order (a dark day for freedom lovers) leaders have had more power to start wars than the states, who should have the power the way america was made.

[The 2nd Constitarian]

It is human nature to fight, war is a byproduct of civilization, the only difference in pre-historic tribes fighting each other, and modern war, is the size of the tribes.