Long article but worth a read
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/08/yes-it-could-happen-again/373465/
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/08/yes-it-could-happen-again/373465/
I believe what 7of9 was referring to was an all-out nuclear war, which for all (our) intents and purposes, would destroy most multi-cellular life on the planet. Certainly though we are a long ways from a planet-buster device!please be realistic. Humans do not yet have the capability to destroy most of the planet.
Thank you. Very well written.Another load of American parochialism. It would help if they got the history of the start of the first world war right to start. Then, of course, Russia is currently posturing because of weakness, not strength. If one must draw parallels with the Great War, Russia is much the same shape as the Austro-Hungarian empire was militarily. Its economy cannot sustain any sort of open warfare with its largest customer's (currently) for its petroleum, which generates the lion's share of their foreign trade revenue. The same is currently true of China. A war would decimate their economic growth which is the only thing that is allowing the current regime to keep the masses placated and thus retain their hold on power.
This is the modern iteration of the 1960's so called "missile gap" where, despite the USA having more missiles, the military industrial complex promulgated the myth that the American's were the weaker. Though this time America is truly a declining great power, the rising rivals are decades away from being in a position to do something overt about it.
Of course war could happen, but in the current world it is far, far less likely than it was 100 years ago.
How do you think it started? The article's description is consistent with most I've heard. Margaret McMillan's "The War That Ended Peace" is a good primer. Austria-Hungarian annexation, Russian opposition, Germany backs Austria-Hungary as per treaty, France and GB back Russia as per treaty, and away we go. A bit simplified but what is your version?It would help if they got the history of the start of the first world war right to start
Maybe Putin is posturing for his home audience. Russian nationalism is pretty high right now. There is lots of (questionable) longing for the good old days when "everyone respected us".Russia is currently posturing because of weakness, not strength
China has so much money tied up in the USA that war would hurt them as much or more than the Americans.China
Not even close. This is the spectre raised by right-wing media. Of course they will be a problem -- for people trying to live normal lives in the areas they are active; more refugees, more pain for all. Are they worse than the other militias and governments in the area? Probably not. What they are, however, is a convenient boogie man for the West. They are simply the latest means of distracting us from our own problems and the greed of our own overlords. Pretty much like the predictions of constant war in "1984" (and more hilariously, in Terry Gilliam's "Brazil"). Islam is plotting to take over the world! Well, they are too late. Global corporations have beat them to it, and will keep finding ways to profit from tragedy.WW3 is already going on and we are losing badly. It is between militant Islam and everyone else.
Our short attention span media outlets have stopped reporting on the progress of ISIS. But ISIS is now not only conquering but governing large swaths of territory. As well as recruiting fighters they are trying to recruit civil engineers, utilities workers , health care workers and other civil service type people.
Woe betide Israel if ISIS continues their expansion. Battling the Gazans is easy. Battling a well trained and well equipped army like ISIS will be very difficult and I don't expect Israel to win unless there is massive American intervention.
Many ISIS fighters return to their homeland to get care for combat injuries. Some go back to fight again, others stay behind. These veterans are often very well trained and highly motivated. They have no problem dying for their cause. If they decide to commit a terrorist act they will not be deterred by prison or execution.
actually, i read that forced conversions is what the prophet mohammed did for a good part of his life - by threat of beheading :fear:Forced conversions goes against the first pillar of Islam.
Governing is never about what is good for the real economy. It is about what is good for those who control the economy. War is absolutelyfriggengreat for making money for certain people.Looking for right and wrong in wars is a mugs game. Wars are never about right and wrong. Never. That is just what they tell the people so they can send them out to kill & be killed. Wars are fought because of greed, jealousy, pride or stupidity. Canada's participation in all its wars since confederation have fallen into the last two categories.
And wars are not good for the real economy. They create a lot of government debt in the creation of goods that have no intrinsic value. the goods are manufactured to be destroyed and are generally rapidly obsolete so even have a limited storage life if unused. Eventually the debt must be paid (or at least serviced) & in so doing, that money is unavailable to provide goods and services which are of some use to society.






