Dr. Robert Barrett

Author and Social Scientist in Human Behaviour, Conflict, and Evolution. B777 Captain. Former Nat'l Team XC skier.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

The increase in one-sided conflicts is most troubling. Defined as the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

@TaraRHenley @politybooks Congratulations @TaraRHenley!

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

New data, spanning 1989-2025, underscores the rise in global war. https://t.co/6VGAgNv32S

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

According to Y-chromosome research, roughly two-thirds of Europeans come from just three patrilineal lineages. This is fascinating terrain for the study of human conflict, competition, and evolution.

[Chris Hadfield @Cmdr_Hadfield]

Our planet's airplane traffic this week - a new record.
Over 153,000 commercial flights/day - that's almost 2 takeoffs & landings per second. No accidents - amazing!
Beautiful work by @icao in Montreal, under the @UN. They should manage space traffic as well. Let's bump their max altitude from 60,000 ft to 600 miles.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

@clairlemon @jonkay @DrDebraSoh Always fascinating when we overlay our contemporary social world onto our ancient evolutionary biology.

[Claire Lehmann @clairlemon]

Finally what we've all been waiting for: @jonkay talks to @DrDebraSoh about neuroscience, hypergamy, elephant seals, politicised sex research, the perils of polyamory, “longhorning,” & “phubbing”
https://t.co/bFK8v1M52Y

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

In the study of evolution and behaviour, (and in everyday life), it is helpful to understand proximal and causal reasons for why we do the things we do. The proximal is the "how" and the causal is the "why". We strive for status, but what is the underlying cause of that drive?

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

How do time zones disrupt our gut-brain rhythm? The key message in this piece is that it is possible to mitigate it with a "chrononutrition" strategy. https://t.co/Z7OI5UXMlg

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

Great contribution! Pre-emptive behaviour in a landscape of intergroup conflict: Trends in Ecology & Evolution https://t.co/fzpf57F2Ym

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

Just awesome! Great Britain's Josh Kerr DESTROYS men's mile world record https://t.co/CMQDPmkcJ9 via @YouTube

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

@PhillipMillar Wow, what a crazy ordeal! Glad that she has you in her corner!

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

Fascinating new project. I will be watching this one closely.
https://t.co/KCwCTqKZZw

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

@thewaronbeauty Thanks for the great post! I have also been struck by the eloquence expressed in handwritten letters from soldiers in WWI. Even from the trenches, and under extraordinary mental stress, the writing (in cursive) is markedly different than today. Thanks for your great post.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

New research considers how humans may be adapted for war. This is a vastly understudied area of evolutionary science. Despite our intelligence, modern institutions, our past lessons, and importantly, our (generally) shared desire for peace, we are currently experiencing more global conflict than at any other time since the end of WWII.
https://t.co/P129nLu4sS

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

@SteveStuWill @MackenMurphy @ChrisWillx This was an awesome episode! Great info and discussion. Well done.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

There is no doubt the world is entering a new era. We always need talented people to pave the way -- and also those who can see where the road is going. So long as we are human, philosophy and the humanities will prove vital.

[The Economist @TheEconomist]

Some of the lessons that philosophy can offer AI researchers are ancient. One expert says models trained in the Socratic method are less keen on people-pleasing and more willing to pursue the truth https://t.co/O87hzP1pOO

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

The relationship between demographics (population decline) and state aggression is not well developed. This is especially true if we add evolutionary interests to the mix. However, given declining global fertility, it is a conflict dynamic we need to understand (quickly). https://t.co/aFMxow8qoW

[Dr. Debra Soh - SEXTINCTION is here @DrDebraSoh]

Men’s testosterone levels have halved in the last 50 years.

Sperm counts are on the decline.

The fertility crisis can’t be fixed until we address the real reasons why.

[Dr. Robert Barrett @drrobertbarrett]

The study of war and behaviour has never been more critical to our survival. Despite its magnitude, the sparks and tinder of human conflict remain shockingly under-researched.

Humanitarian Outlook 2026: A world succumbing to war https://t.co/bt76Vx1SnT