The world today offers a contrast between zones of peace and war. Since 1945, much of the developed world has experienced unprecedented prosperity and nearly uninterrupted peace. Some conflicts, however, are chronic. What explains this contrast? One major factor is world commerce. In a thriving environment, war becomes pointless — peace is a product of wealth and efficiency. But as UC San Diego Political Science Professor Erik Gartzke explains, there are forces at work in Russia and China that may weaken or undermine international peace in the coming decades. Gartzke is presented by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC San Diego. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 29728]