War not only leaves visible traces of destruction in the form of ruins and human suffering, but also shapes future generations in an invisible way. The key to this understanding lies in epigenetics, a field of research that deals with hereditary changes in gene expression that are caused by environmental influences, but not by changes in the DNA sequence itself. The findings of epigenetics show that the traumas suffered by people in war extend far beyond the individual level and can influence the genetic heritage of entire peoples.
What is epigenetics and how does it work in the context of war trauma?
Epigenetics refers to mechanisms that determine how genes are switched on or off. This occurs through epigenetic markers that attach to DNA and alter gene activity without changing the underlying sequence. Environmental factors such as stress, hunger, violence and trauma can influence these marks and alter gene expression. These changes can not only affect the individual themselves, but can also be passed on to their offspring. This happens through DNA methylation - which can reduce or completely switch off the activity of a gene - or through histone modification. Histones are proteins around which DNA is wrapped. Their chemical modification can influence how tightly the DNA is wrapped, which in turn determines whether genes are active or inactive.
But how is this passed on? The answer lies in reproduction. During the formation of eggs (as a fetus during the mother's pregnancy) and sperm, the epigenetic “signature” that has been shaped by trauma can be transferred to the genetic material of the offspring. And through prenatal and early environmental conditions. The state of the mother during pregnancy, including her mental health, can also influence the epigenetic imprinting of the child. Stress hormones such as cortisol can affect the fetus and permanently alter its gene expression.
Studies show that people who have experienced extreme stresses such as war have epigenetic changes in their genes that are linked to stress responses, anxiety and depression. These changes can influence the behavior, health and mental stability of future generations. For example, the descendants of Holocaust survivors have epigenetic marks that increase their susceptibility to mental disorders. Similar results have been found in descendants of people who survived severe famine or other extreme hardships.
Further consequences of war and trauma on epigenetics
Physiological effects on the immune system: Epigenetic changes can control the expression of genes that are responsible for immune defense. For example, traumatic experiences can lead to an overactivation of the immune system, which can result in chronic inflammation. These inflammatory reactions are often associated with autoimmune diseases. This is also accompanied by an increased susceptibility to infections. Due to the epigenetic change, subsequent generations may have an altered immune response, making them more susceptible to infections and other diseases.
Metabolic diseases: Studies have shown that children and grandchildren of people who suffered from hunger or extreme stress during wartime have an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. These effects may be mediated by epigenetic modifications in genes that control glucose metabolism and fat storage. Stress and trauma can also affect the expression of genes involved in the regulation of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reproductive health: In men, for example, sperm quality and motility can be impaired, while in women the menstrual cycle and egg maturation can be disrupted. Women may also suffer an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, including premature birth. These complications may be influenced by epigenetic changes in genes that regulate the course of pregnancy.
Neurological and cognitive effects: Kinder von traumatisierten Eltern können Schwierigkeiten haben, in der Schule erfolgreich zu sein oder kognitive Aufgaben zu bewältigen. Zudem besteht ein erhöhtes Risiko für neurodegenerative Erkrankungen wie Alzheimer und Parkinson, da epigenetische Veränderungen auch solche Krankheiten hervorrufen können.
Effects on emotional regulation and attachment: Children of traumatized parents are more likely to develop attachment disorders. These disorders can be caused by epigenetic changes in genes that are responsible for the regulation of attachment hormones such as oxytocin. Traumatized individuals and their offspring may also show an increased tendency towards aggressive behaviour and impulsivity, which may also be epigenetically determined.
Transfer mechanisms to future generations: Traumatized parents can have difficulties building a secure bond with their children due to changes in the stress hormone balance, which can lead to further psychological and physical problems and changes in the offspring.
Social and cultural destruction: The cumulative epigenetic effects in a large number of people can lead to a general decline in the health and productivity of a society.
The transgenerational transmission of war trauma
The epigenetic changes triggered by war trauma have a profound impact on future generations. Children and grandchildren of people who have experienced war often carry the burden of these traumas, even if they have never had direct contact with war themselves. This transgenerational transmission of trauma can shape the collective consciousness of a people and affect their mental and physical health for decades or even centuries.
For countries involved in desert wars, this means that the effects of the conflict extend far beyond the end of hostilities. Not only the direct victims, but also their descendants are affected. This applies to both sides of the conflict: both the victims and the perpetrators, or the victims of both sides, can be permanently damaged by the epigenetic consequences of war.
The long-term consequences for peoples and nations
The epigenetic transmission of war trauma has the potential to destabilize entire populations in the long term. In societies that have been affected by war, hunger and physical violence for generations, a vicious circle of mental illness, social dysfunction and economic instability can develop. These consequences can lead to people being weakened in the long term, even when the war is long over. Again, it must be noted that this always applies to all parties to the war.
Such epigenetic stress can not only affect the mental health and social fabric of a society, but also reduce its resilience to future crises. A society that struggles with the epigenetic consequences of war trauma over generations can be stunted in its development, which in turn impedes social and economic progress. This can lead to a loss of potential, indirectly destroying a nation.
Soldiers fighting on the “other side” are also affected by this epigenetic damage, as are their descendants. In the long term, this can undermine the health and stability of all people involved and thus of entire nations, which can lead to an indirect but profound decline.
Epigenetic effects based on three examples
- Africa: The civil war in Rwanda. The genocide in Rwanda in 1994 is one of the most horrific events of the 20th century. Over 800,000 people were brutally murdered in just 100 days. The survivors, especially children who witnessed this violence, still show signs of severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) today. Epigenetic studies have shown that the traumatic experiences of the survivors lead to changes in gene expression that impair their stress coping mechanisms. These changes have also been found in their offspring, even though they never experienced the violence themselves. The effects on future generations manifest themselves in the form of increased susceptibility to mental disorders, difficulties in social relationships and increased stress activity.
- Asia: The Vietnam War. The Vietnam War had a devastating impact on the soldiers who returned home, but also on the Vietnamese population. Many of the American soldiers who returned from the war suffered from PTSD and carried this stress into their families. Their children often show similar psychological problems, even though they were never in the war. Epigenetic studies suggest that the extreme stress conditions to which the soldiers were exposed caused changes in the genes responsible for the regulation of stress and anxiety. These epigenetic markers were passed on to the next generation and influence their mental health. Similar patterns were found in the Vietnamese survivors, whose descendants also suffer from the consequences of the war, both mentally and physically.
- Europe: The return of soldiers after the First and Second World WarsAfter the First and Second World Wars, millions of soldiers returned home, many of them severely traumatized. The psychological and physical scars they brought back from the trenches and battlefields left a lasting mark on their families and communities. These veterans suffered from what was then called “shell shock”, better known today as PTSD. These deep-seated traumas often led to social and familial conflict, alcoholism and violence, which greatly affected not only the lives of the veterans themselves, but also those of their descendants. Epigenetic research shows that the extreme stress conditions to which the soldiers were exposed caused changes in gene expression that were passed on to their children and grandchildren. These offspring often show increased susceptibility to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and high sensitivity, even though they had not experienced the trauma of war themselves. These epigenetic changes also have an impact on the physical health and quality of life of the affected families over several generations.
The responsibility of the international communities
The effects of war never only affect the people who were involved in it. Everyone in this world is affected by war and its consequences, because everyone has relatives who have lived in a war or in times of war. So war never only destroys those directly affected, but also leaves everyone else vulnerable to disease.
The findings on the epigenetic effects of war trauma raise questions about the responsibility of the international community. If wars influence not only the present but also the future of entire nations, the effects of military conflicts must be viewed in a new light. The long-term consequences of wars could represent a new dimension in thinking about peace and security.
It is not only a question of the immediate protection of civilians, but also of the protection of future generations. The epigenetic consequences of war trauma show that the wounds inflicted by wars affect not only the victims, but also their descendants. This requires a rethink in the way wars are waged and ended, and in the responsibility that warring parties have towards the victims and their future generations.
Conclusion
Epigenetics offers a deep insight into the invisible consequences of war and hardship. The traumas suffered in war leave traces in the DNA that can shape the lives of future generations. This realization makes it clear that wars not only destroy the immediate present, but also influence the future. The long-term effects on the collective heritage of a society can be devastating and persist for generations.
For peoples caught up in conflict, this is a grim reality. The scars of war are visible not only in the ruins of cities or in the stories of survivors, but also in the genes of future generations. If we want to keep the peace, we need to understand the profound and long-lasting consequences of war - and that includes the epigenetic damage that can weaken and destroy a people for generations.
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