I have been noticing more and more occurrences of the alarming prediction that World War III is both inevitable and imminent.
There are many conspiracy theories about the causes of major wars; they often involve power and money: 'cui bono' and all that.
These sinister theories may be new to some people, but they have been circulating for a very long time. There is nothing new in the observation that differing factions often unite in the face of a common enemy either.
The author Taylor Caldwell, who has been mentioned in a few articles on here, said something in a book first published in 1952 that is very applicable to the current global political situation:
“You see,” went on the doctor warmly, “when a nation threatens another nation the people of the latter forget their factionalism, their local antagonisms, their political differences, their suspicions of each other, their religious hostilities, and band together as one unit. Leaders know that, and that is why so many of them whip up wars during periods of national crisis, or when the people become discontented and angry...
Attacking another nation, then, acts as a sort of catharsis, temporarily, on men’s fear of their immediate neighbors. This is the explanation of all wars, all racial and religious hatreds, all massacres, and all attempts at genocide.”
From The Devil's Advocate
The recent series of violent riots in the UK is an indication that all is not well here. The US economy is reported to be slowing down, with many job losses.
Are the people becoming increasingly discontented and angry? Are the US and the UK moving towards a time of national crisis?
If so, are the leaders going to whip up a war or two?
Benjamin Disraeli too had something to say on the subject of conflicts between nations.
Perhaps we should take his advice and hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
