The dominant position of men has rested on their superior capacity for violence. In a society of networks and relationships, rather than of hierarchy and orders, women may come to play a bigger role. Sweden, which has been at peace since 1809, provides some pointers. Another model might be Hong Kong. There we find an increasing number of women in politics, administration, law and medicine but, as is also the case in Sweden, business remains a predominantly male domain.
War can destroy states.
It may be that peace will destroy society. It is this sense of purpose and community which drives down suicide rates in wartime. The symptoms are eating disorders, loneliness, drug taking, gambling and other forms of self-destruction. As collective self-destruction is now off the agenda, we shall find ways of doing it one by one. Honour already seems old-fashioned.