| To start with, I don't think anyone sincerely wants WWIII right now. In the lens of history, wars were quite popular in Europe in the 19th century because it was the best way for the floundering aristocracy to maintain their wealth (i.e., invest in the war equipment, then invest in rebuilding afterward, and send the losing country the bill). But, during the Great World War (the war to end all wars, as it was ironically touted), LOTS of favors were pulled in from many directions, and everyone attacked everyone. It was, strictly, a profit motive, for most parties involved. Nowadays, the vehicle of the corporation has allowed tremendous wealth distribution without any violence, so it's both sustainable and (theoretically) more ethical. Russia has a geographical interest in Ukraine more than anything else (since it's flat land all the way to Moscow from there), and Israel/Palestine are fighting a war that travels farther into the realm of the religious than most Western society can comprehend. Sure, the USA could jump in and fight a war, but the 20th century always showed them weighing in when they expected they'd win (and failed at that expectation with Vietnam). Further, there's usually plenty of bluster before anyone actually does anything. Threatening to nuke a neighbor generates FUD, but actually nuking them means you've obtained a glass crater when you invade them. Mini-essay aside, I think we must be careful to avoid the propaganda that tells us to be afraid. We each individually have very little control over things either way, and this apocalyptic narrative was a commonplace staple of US/Soviet relations for about 40 years. |