Dear CCI Friends,
Based solely on observations from the sidelines, the world appears to be going mad. Consider recent assertions from Europe that Alexander Navalny was assassinated by Russians using Ecuadorian frog venom or the Trump administration’s suggestion to Iran that if it would just surrender and demilitarize in advance there wouldn’t have to be a war. “You can’t make this stuff up” and “Where are the grown ups??” are now the commentariat’s favorite tag lines.
But it is Europe frantically ginning itself up for war with Russia, the hysterical cry of “The Russians are coming, the Russins are coming!” that is the biggest conundrum. Two astute commentators below give us their views on what one calls ‘mass strategic irrationality.’
“The Mental Harm and Political Danger of Hate Propaganda”
“The European public appears almost numb. Calls from EU member states to explore extending the French nuclear umbrella — and possibly the British one — to create a European nuclear deterrent have produced no mass public reaction. The taboo has eroded. Nuclear weapons are now discussed with the casual language of “capabilities,” “coverage,” and “strategic autonomy.”
The irony is grim. This is not the confidence of a secure society. It is the recklessness of a society that no longer understands risk.”
https://leonvermeulen.substack.com/p/europe-is-sleepwalking-toward-war
Is Europe Capable of Diplomacy?
https://glenndiesen.substack.com/p/ian-proud-economic-reset-with-russia
As always, we look forward to your thoughts.
The Center for Citizen Initiatives