In "A Short History of World War I," James L. Stokesbury discusses the evolution of Social Darwinism, which builds upon Charles Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest. This ideology suggests that dominance over others is a key indicator of an individual's or group's fitness, implying that those who exert power and control are more likely to succeed and thrive within society.

Stokesbury highlights how these beliefs contributed to the mindset during World War I, where competition and superiority became driving forces. This notion of exhibiting strength through domination led to significant geopolitical tensions and conflicts, reflecting how the idea of survival was intertwined with aggression and power struggles.