THE ESCALATION THAT NO ONE WINS - AND THE WORLD LOSES
It is a grim moment in human history unfolding before our eyes. The latest developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine are shocking: intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, Western cruise missiles hitting Russian territory - the conflict has reached a new, frightening level of escalation. And while the weapons become more and more destructive, one thing is falling by the wayside: common sense.
by Mareike Solminke
by Mareike Solminke
How did it come to this? For two and a half years, Ukraine and Russia have been facing each other in a war whose terrible effects affect not only the two nations, but the entire world. But instead of working towards de-escalation, both sides - driven by national pride, geopolitical interests and military calculation - are fuelling a dynamic that is moving like an unstoppable train towards an abyss.
The latest escalation is no surprise, but the result of a policy that relies on strength rather than dialogue. With every new weapons package, with every provocation, with every missile attack, the world becomes a little more insecure. It is a cruel logic of war: what is justified today as "necessary defense" becomes a pretext for new violence tomorrow. A vicious circle that threatens us all.
Anyone who believes that this conflict will remain regionally limited is mistaken. It is already spreading further and further. North Korea is reportedly sending soldiers, Western countries are supplying high-tech weapons, and Russia is targeting Europe's infrastructure with its attacks. This is no longer a local crisis - it is the antechamber of a third world war.
It is unbelievable that there are still people who believe that this conflict can be won militarily. Have we learned nothing from history? Every "more" number of weapons also means "more" suffering. Every "tougher crackdown" pushes the chances of peace into an even more distant future. And while politicians and generals are drawing up strategies in their comfortable offices, civilians are paying the price: bombs on residential areas, millions of refugees, destroyed livelihoods.
Those in favor of war - on both sides - are digging not only their own graves, but ours. They are playing with fire that could spread into a conflagration whose extent even they cannot control. They talk about "necessities" and "security," but in reality they are acting out of a desire for power and ignorance. How much longer do we want to watch this madness?
Yes, peace is complicated. Peace means compromises, means concessions, perhaps even painful decisions. But peace is the only option we have if we want to survive as a human race. Every missile that is not fired is a victory. Every negotiation that is conducted is a glimmer of hope. It is difficult, but it is possible - if we finally understand that there can be no winners in this war.
The world must decide: Do we want to continue to watch this conflict spiral into global catastrophe? Or do we have the courage to pause, take a step back and look for ways that do not end in violence?
Another dark shadow is cast over the German political landscape as the world increasingly sinks into violence. In the midst of the global escalation, Germany is now also facing a domestic political turning point: Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will ask for a vote of confidence, which could mean the possible end of his term in office and pave the way for a change of power. The likelihood that Friedrich Merz will become the next chancellor seems increasingly realistic - and with him a course that is anything but de-escalating.
Merz, who has repeatedly made strong statements and taken an uncompromising stance on foreign policy issues, represents a style that leaves little room for mediation. His emphasis on strength and assertiveness may impress supporters, but in a world that desperately needs diplomacy and balance, this is a fatal approach. His positions, which often indicate aggressive support for rearmament and confrontation, threaten to further fuel the spiral of violence - not only in the Ukraine war, but also in the global security architecture.
It is worrying that an already fragile world situation could now look to a Germany that is increasingly sending military force instead of signals of peace. Instead of building a bridge, Germany itself is in danger of becoming part of the problem under such leadership. The question remains: Where is a world heading in which not only autocrats but also democratic leaders are increasingly relying on escalation? The answer could cost us all dearly.
11/26/24
Mareike Solminke (45) comes from the small town of Verden (Aller) in Lower Saxony and moved to Berlin to study cultural studies at Humboldt University. Her academic career focused on the analysis of cultural and social contexts. Today she works as a consultant in the field of cultural education. In her free time she loves historical novels and long hikes.
The latest escalation is no surprise, but the result of a policy that relies on strength rather than dialogue. With every new weapons package, with every provocation, with every missile attack, the world becomes a little more insecure. It is a cruel logic of war: what is justified today as "necessary defense" becomes a pretext for new violence tomorrow. A vicious circle that threatens us all.
Anyone who believes that this conflict will remain regionally limited is mistaken. It is already spreading further and further. North Korea is reportedly sending soldiers, Western countries are supplying high-tech weapons, and Russia is targeting Europe's infrastructure with its attacks. This is no longer a local crisis - it is the antechamber of a third world war.
It is unbelievable that there are still people who believe that this conflict can be won militarily. Have we learned nothing from history? Every "more" number of weapons also means "more" suffering. Every "tougher crackdown" pushes the chances of peace into an even more distant future. And while politicians and generals are drawing up strategies in their comfortable offices, civilians are paying the price: bombs on residential areas, millions of refugees, destroyed livelihoods.
Those in favor of war - on both sides - are digging not only their own graves, but ours. They are playing with fire that could spread into a conflagration whose extent even they cannot control. They talk about "necessities" and "security," but in reality they are acting out of a desire for power and ignorance. How much longer do we want to watch this madness?
Yes, peace is complicated. Peace means compromises, means concessions, perhaps even painful decisions. But peace is the only option we have if we want to survive as a human race. Every missile that is not fired is a victory. Every negotiation that is conducted is a glimmer of hope. It is difficult, but it is possible - if we finally understand that there can be no winners in this war.
The world must decide: Do we want to continue to watch this conflict spiral into global catastrophe? Or do we have the courage to pause, take a step back and look for ways that do not end in violence?
Another dark shadow is cast over the German political landscape as the world increasingly sinks into violence. In the midst of the global escalation, Germany is now also facing a domestic political turning point: Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will ask for a vote of confidence, which could mean the possible end of his term in office and pave the way for a change of power. The likelihood that Friedrich Merz will become the next chancellor seems increasingly realistic - and with him a course that is anything but de-escalating.
Merz, who has repeatedly made strong statements and taken an uncompromising stance on foreign policy issues, represents a style that leaves little room for mediation. His emphasis on strength and assertiveness may impress supporters, but in a world that desperately needs diplomacy and balance, this is a fatal approach. His positions, which often indicate aggressive support for rearmament and confrontation, threaten to further fuel the spiral of violence - not only in the Ukraine war, but also in the global security architecture.
It is worrying that an already fragile world situation could now look to a Germany that is increasingly sending military force instead of signals of peace. Instead of building a bridge, Germany itself is in danger of becoming part of the problem under such leadership. The question remains: Where is a world heading in which not only autocrats but also democratic leaders are increasingly relying on escalation? The answer could cost us all dearly.
11/26/24
Mareike Solminke (45) comes from the small town of Verden (Aller) in Lower Saxony and moved to Berlin to study cultural studies at Humboldt University. Her academic career focused on the analysis of cultural and social contexts. Today she works as a consultant in the field of cultural education. In her free time she loves historical novels and long hikes.
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