Which theorist argued that war and conquest shape society?

The correct answer is Ludwig Gumplowicz. He proposed that war and conquest are pivotal forces in the development of human societies and social structures. Gumplowicz’s theories highlight how conflict influences social organization, suggesting that societies are shaped through historical battles, subjugation, and the resulting power dynamics. He emphasized that these interactions lead to social stratification and the formation of groups that emerge from conquest and internal conflicts.

In contrast, while other theorists like Karl Marx focus on class struggles and economic factors as drivers of societal change, or Max Weber who emphasizes social actions and bureaucracy, Gumplowicz specifically underscores the role of conflict and war in shaping social systems. Emile Durkheim, too, is more focused on social cohesion and the function of rituals in maintaining social order rather than conflict-led development. Thus, Gumplowicz uniquely addresses the influence of war and conquest, establishing a framework that emphasizes the importance of force in social evolution.