I kind of agree with your War theory. But obviously the war itself doesn't make things happen. Rather it is that it aligns a bunch of things - money, desperation/motivation, smart people.

Maybe lack of a world war is a reason.

Maybe intellectual property law becoming common.

Maybe increasing awareness of the competing billions around us makes for different impulses IE Bezos-aspirations instead of scientific progress. If you have enough money, you can BUY the idea/smart person.

Maybe the glorification of sports/fashion/music/movies/games rather than science/knowledge.