As far as sentience, they definitely have a human-like mind.
But what I think you're asking is more about a humanity's desire for expansion, and war. Now war is a difficult subject because it's not black and white like how a lot of children's shows describe it. We have seen several wars and warlike-personalities(Ecspecially as seen in the Multiverse with Starlight and Twilight) whether that be the early pegasus race, the yaks, or the villain of the week.
I believe that if Equestria wasn't protected by good natured demi-gods, they would be much more warlike.