Wars are expressions of power-political, ideological, and economic conflicts of interest. However, certain functions lie behind them that require keen analysis. The psychoanalyst Stavros Mentzos develops the thesis that in armed conflicts, narcissistic needs and deficiencies are compensated for. Inner conflicts, identity crises, depression, and feelings of meaninglessness are projected outward. Contrary to the view of a large part of psychoanalysts, Mentzos argues that it is not the human drive for aggression that is the central motive for war, even though it is used to support the act of war. By focusing on the psychosocial dimension of wars, there lies a hope for a change in consciousness that can contribute to war prevention.