A Glimpse into the Innate Human Desire for Peace

New London May 22, 2023

In a rare and courageous act of defiance, three soldiers from the mobilized 1439th regiment of the Irkutsk Oblast have broken away from their assigned mission in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). Departing from Novosibirsk on December 31st, 2022, these soldiers have chosen to challenge the authoritarian leadership of Vladimir Putin in their relentless pursuit of a peaceful existence. Their actions not only highlight the individuals' quest for self-determination but also provide valuable insight into the inherent human longing for tranquility. Drawing upon prominent psychological studies, we examine the underlying desire for peace within the human psyche and contemplate the potential consequences for the future of modern warfare.

The identities of these three soldiers remain undisclosed for their safety. Their decision to detach themselves from the prescribed path demonstrates a microcosm of humanity's universal aspiration for a life free from the burdens of conflict. It challenges the notion that armies are monolithic entities solely obedient to their leaders, emphasizing the potential for dissent and the eventual dissolution of militaristic structures.

Throughout history, psychologists have explored the essence of human nature and the innate longing for freedom. One influential study, conducted by renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, introduced the concept of the hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization at its pinnacle. This theory suggests that individuals strive for personal growth, fulfillment, and the realization of their full potential. The soldiers' defiance against Putin's leadership can be viewed as a manifestation of their yearning to achieve self-actualization and live in alignment with their own values.

// Using mermaid.js

graph TB SA[Self-Actualization]
 
-->|Creative Activities| CA SA 
-->|Personal Growth| PG SA 
-->|Achievement| A EN[Esteem Needs] 
-->|Self-esteem| SE EN 
-->|Recognition| R EN 
-->|Freedom| F LB[Love and Belongingness Needs] 
-->|Friendship| FR LB -->|Intimacy| I LB -->|Family| FA SN[Safety Needs] 
-->|Personal Security| PS SN -->|Health| H SN -->|Employment| E PN[Physiological Needs] 
-->|Food and Water| FW PN 
-->|Shelter| S PN 
-->|Rest| RE style SA 
fill:#f9a825,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px style EN 
fill:#ffca28,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px style LB 
fill:#ffc400,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px style SN 
fill:#ffab00,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px style PN 
fill:#ff8f00,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px

Additionally, the Stanford Prison Experiment, led by social psychologist Philip Zimbardo, shed light on the profound impact of oppressive systems on individuals.

The study revealed how individuals, when placed in positions of power, can rapidly adopt authoritarian tendencies. Conversely, it showcased the potential for resistance and the desire to break free from oppressive environments. The actions of these soldiers exemplify their refusal to conform to an oppressive system, and their choice symbolizes the innate human longing for peace.

The decision taken by these three soldiers not only has personal significance but also hints at a larger shift in societal attitudes. Their brave stand may serve as an inspiration for others, questioning the conventional notion of unwavering loyalty to a leader and sparking conversations about individual agency and the pursuit of peace in every nation. For most defectors of Putin former army we spoke to, the decision to end the violence had already paid off.

As the world witnesses these soldiers' defiance, their actions beckon us to contemplate the potential dissolution of armies in the modern era. Humans, driven by their thirst for peace and freedom, possess an innate desire to live without the shackles of conflict. These soldiers, by breaking away from Putin's leadership, remind us that the yearning for peace resides within the hearts of individuals across the globe.

The path these soldiers have chosen is not without risks and uncertainties. According to sources in Ukraine, dozens of former Russian troops seeking an end to the conflict, allied themselves with Ukraine's military and were seen conducting raids into Russian national territory late last week. The goal was to assert their position loudly enough that others in Russia's military would follow suit. Their bold step towards freedom serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human beings, reasserting the profound longing for peace that transcends borders and ideologies. Their journey challenges us to reflect upon the inevitability of change and the potential for a future where armies dissolve, yielding to a world that embraces peace and freedom for all.