Israel Attacks Iran

 

Israel has attacked major Iranian cities. Tehran was hit with airstrikes. Israel's aggression has escalated to the extent of regional war. Iran now is a target of  expansionist regional designs. Israel wants to fight Iran to eliminate competitors in West Asia. The argument was that Israel was attempting to stop Iran's nuclear program. Israel has nuclear weapons, which is more precarious. Israel did an unilateral strike and it further isolates the country. Iran responded with attacks on Tel Aviv. During Israel's attacks government officials were assassinated from the operation. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed that more retaliation would follow. Israel does not have the capability to fight Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and Iran all at once. Israel is active in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and the occupied territories. The Trump administration favors Israel and has an anti-Iranian position. A regional war between Israel and Iran could expand beyond its borders. Nuclear sites were not only attacked, but ballistic missile factories. If the United States continues its support of Israel, military bases will be attacked. Israel is now under a state of emergency. War with Iran has been Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's goal for decades. The Likud Party's belligerent actions could result in mass global conflict. A regional war maintains the possibility of Israel suffering a major defeat. Unless the US and EU countries come to its assistance. Oil production from the Middle East could be disrupted. A Israel-Iran War might result in an energy crisis.   

The ICC Pressures Mongolia On President Vladimir Putin's Visit

 

Mongolia hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mongolia is an ICC member, but refused to arrest him. The warrant for his arrest was issued in 2023. The International Criminal Court has been criticized for being biased in charges and undermining national sovereignty of various countries. Mongolia wants to expand economic ties. This visit was not an endorsement of the Russia-Ukraine War. Most Asian and African nations want a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The EU nations continue to send arms. The ICC pressure on Mongolia just undermines the Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh presidency. Not arresting President Putin shows that Mongolia has an independent foreign policy. Mongolia does not exist to serve the ICC or European Union. If there is to be a system of international law, it should be applied to all nations. The International Criminal Court targets African and Asian leaders, while European leaders are exempt. Russia is at the moment, the only European country subject to the ICC  warrant. It has nothing to do with abuses in Ukraine, but to get access to Russian energy. A collapsed Russian Federation would mean certain natural resources could be obtained. President  Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh might have to reevaluate Mongolia being an ICC member. Forcing other leaders to arrest heads of state could cause legal and political complications.  

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Dies In Helicopter Crash

 

The IRNA news agency reported that President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash. The others identified in the accident also included foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. There is no indication this was an assassination plot. The investigation so far believed that the signal system to the helicopter was turned off. Some have speculated that the helicopter they were in did not have one. The perplexing element of this incident is why a plane was not used. Iran currently is mourning the loss of government officials. The president of Iran is head of government. The Supreme Leader is the head of state. This means foreign policy and domestic affairs will not be changing. Ebrahim Raisi was thought to be a potential successor Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei is now 85 years old and one of the longest ruling heads of state in the region. At some point his rule will come to an end. An interim president is now in place. The government of Iran has an aging leadership. Most in foreign affairs or the Supreme Leader role are age 60 and over. Before his death President Ebrahim Raisi was visiting the Iran-Azerbaijan border. Meeting with President Ilham Aliyev it was for the celebration of a finished dam on the Aras River. The inauguration ceremony was designed to show appreciation for stronger diplomatic relations between the two countries. International pressures brought a theocratic government in alliance with a secular authoritarian regime. Iran's relationship with Azerbaijan is similar to the partnership with Syria. After a long search authorities were able to uncover the crash site. Elections for a new head of government is getting under way. An election of a new president is set to happen in 50 days.    

John F. Kennedy Discusses A Change In Vietnam Policy (1963)

 

President John F. Kennedy gave his final press conference on  November 14th , 1963. What was different about this discussion with the press was a change in Vietnam policy. After the coup that saw the death of Ngo Diem it was clear that the policy with South Vietnam had to be adjusted. The Honolulu conference was proposed by Kennedy's administration to address the issues surrounding the instability and war in Vietnam. President Kennedy expressed he wanted Americans out, but did not want to abandon the conflict. This seems like a contradiction, because a military industrial complex would not allow such a policy. President Kennedy articulated that he wanted the South Vietnamese military powerful enough to fight the Viet Cong by itself. The desire to make South Vietnam democratic was not possible. To a degree it was more of a puppet state with military rulers. Some have theorized that the reason Kennedy was assassinated was because he wanted withdraw from Vietnam and an eventual peace with the Soviet Union. When American and South Vietnam officials met in Honolulu in 1966, policy had been dramatically altered. From that point onward, the war would be escalated. If President John F. Kennedy had lived, the US Military might not gotten trapped in a violent conflict. 

African Leaders Are Proposing A Peace Plan To The Russia-Ukraine War

 

African leaders have grown concerned about the war in Ukraine. Now, an effort is being made to formulate a plan for peace with South Africa taking leading the mission. African leaders will head to both Moscow and Kiev. President Cyril Ramaphosa has made phone calls to both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. There remains doubts about success. The attempt should be praised, considering the European Union has done little. The peace mission demonstrates that African nations are becoming more influential on the international stage. Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Uganda, and Egypt are expected to have their heads of state attend the peace mission. President Hakainde Hichilema ( Zambia ) ,  President Dennis Sassou Nguesso (the Republic of the Congo ), President Macky Sall ( Senegal) ,  President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and President  Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are expected to make their arguments for peace. Many attending are longtime leaders, with the exception of President Hichilema who has been head of state since 2021. Other African leaders cannot attend due to internal matters. Sudan and Ethiopia are dealing with both ethnic conflict and civil war. The DRC grapples with an insurgency. Having more countries in the delegation could be helpful. Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Zimbabwe, or Namibia could have joined the peace mission. The African peace mission should be deemed a positive development in European affairs. Peace will never come as long as NATO expands and the arms industry profits from the Russia-Ukraine War. The US, UK, France, and Germany want to see the conflict extended. South Africa was accused of sending weapons to Russia, but there remains to be evidence of such a transaction. It is clear that some European leaders want the peace mission to fail, for a number of reasons. Preserving the arms trade and dismantling Russia are objectives of those who want the war to escalate. What happens next depends on the terms prosed in a peace settlement.   

Nancy Pelosi Intends To Visit Taiwan

 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has implied that she will visit Taiwan. This resulted in condemnation from China. The sudden desire to visit indicates a decline in US-China relations. The one China policy acknowledges that the island is a part of the PRC. Doing this visit suggests that America is making preparations for recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation. China's fear is that the island along with South Korea, and Japan could be used a launching sites for military action. The possible visit could have dire consequences. China could in response arm North Korea as a means countering American expansion into Asia. The United States has continued to provide arms to Taiwan despite objections to Beijing. The move is not one of skilled diplomacy. If Taiwan is to be discussed, a visit to Beijing would need to occur first. Risking a large East Asia war could spread to other regions. The speculation is that these actions are the culmination of the pivot to Asia. China must be undermined so that the US can continue to be the sole superpower in the world. The approach to Asian affairs has become reckless over the past three presidential administrations. Instead of creating an atmosphere of trust  and understanding a sentiment of hostility is predominant. 

The TPLF Advances Further In Ethiopia

 

The regional insurgency that started in Ethiopia transformed into full  scale civil war. The Tigray People's Liberation Front appears to be getting closer to Addis Abba. Other rebel groups have joined the TPLF to depose the government. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed now faces a major internal conflict with limited support from the African Union. If the AU condemns the military coups in Sudan, Mali, and Guinea then there should be a vociferous response to violent insurgencies by rebel groups. The new coalition seeking to remove Ahmed is known as the United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces.  Eight different groups are part of the force, with the Oromo Liberation Front participating. The civil war did not start because of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The TPLF attacked a federal military base. Under the leadership of Ahmed, the Tigray felt displaced. Since 1991 the Tigray had dominance in government. That changed with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Attempts to centralize power caused a bigger ethnic divide. Accusations that Eritrea aids rebel forces have been made. Kenya has called for an end to hostilities to prevent regional instability. Every conflict produces refugees and it is possible Kenya would be their destination. Ethiopia is facing its largest crisis to date. A TPLF takeover  would not be a democratic government. The coalition could collapse and fight with one another.  

A General Introduction to Fascism

Fascism was  a far-right political ideology  that supported  aggressive nationalism, militarism, and anti-democratic government. Between 1919 and 1945  fascism  became a threat to global security with its desire to eradicate opposing political ideologies. The reason it originated in Europe was due to the culture, ideas, and imperial political philosophy. European countries were at one time mostly monarchies. Absolutism became a model of government when European states became more centralized. Government power was challenged by the Enlightenment, which demanded that the state should limit its power and respect the rights of citizens. By the 19th century Europe experienced a wave of ethnic nationalism and demands for constitutional government. The political experiment was not successful in all European states. The age of modern imperialism and a new emphasis on racial identity stifled genuine democratic revolution. France and the British Empire emerged as the strongest European powers. Germany and Italy went through a process of becoming unified nation-states, with a desire to compete. Large power competition and imperial ambitions resulted in World War I. Germany was defeated and forced to accept harsh terms of the Versailles Treaty. Italy was among the victors, but did not gain anything from siding with the Allies. The Russian, Ottoman, and German empires collapsed creating new states in Europe.   The social and political devastation created an unstable atmosphere in which fascism could flourish. Economic collapse, civil unrest, and unemployment were so common that the people looked for order in a chaotic world. Fascism emerged as a popular mass movement branching off into Italian Fascism and German Nazism . These branches of fascism with some minor differences shared certain traits : the love of warfare, social Darwinist  thought, violence as a political tool, and racism. Fascism was the total rejection of humanism, Enlightenment philosophy, and liberalism. Fascism as a global political force was defeated in World War II, but its concepts and ideas appear in fringe movements and hate groups.
    The origins of fascism were rooted in the ideas of philosopher  Georges Sorel.  The French philosopher's ideology would have a profound influence on the thought of Benito Mussolini. Sorel contributed to the concept of national syndicalism, which was a reactionary and authoritarian movement in France. Prior to this development syndicalism was a leftist movement with socialist objectives. The syndicalist wanted to have Marxists and anarchists collaborate in a unified revolutionary front. This attempt failed miserably causing many to become disillusioned. This was the point in the late 19th century in which syndicalism broke into factions, with the authoritarian section becoming more powerful. Charles Maurras of  Action  franciase  would become a political collaborator with Sorel. These new groups in France were opposed to liberalism. pacifism, secularism, and the growing individualism in western society. The Sorelians and Action franciase formed an alliance in 1910. Both Sorel and Maurras believed that humanitarianism was degrading the quality of European civilization. France and the whole of the continent needed dramatic revival. Benito Mussolini who would become leader of the first fascist state read Sorel's works. What captivated him the most was the idea of national myth. The shift to the far-right came for Mussolini when World War I broke out. Italy he believed that the war was an opportunity to rise to greatness on the international stage. This caused criticism and condemnation form his fellow socialists who disagreed with his opinion on intervention. Expelled from the Italian Socialist Party Mussolini became a devoted nationalist. The national myth was in the view of Sorel a great story to energize the masses to embrace patriotism. Through the national myth values of a country can be officially established. The national myth Mussolini developed was that Italy was destined to establish a New Roman Empire. Adolf Hitler dreamed of establishing a Third Reich that would last 1000 years. The fascists thought of their people as unique with the right to rule and conquer the world.

National myths were more powerful than actual facts. George Sorel embraced the notion of a new ideology saving Europe from social and political decay. The desire for rebirth to a dynamic Europe was a common theme among these movements. Prior to World War I, fascism if it had existed would not have been as popular. The following destabilization  of  the war, the Versailles Treaty, and the Great Depression allowed for Sorel's ideas to be put into practice. He did not live to see how it would develop. Before his death in 1922 he wrote " the fascists are not entirely wrong to invoke my opinions."  This would have been the movement George Sorel wanted to spread. The threats to Europe were liberalism and Marxism in his view and a far-right movement must combat these elements. 

      Fascism was viciously opposed to Marxism. . This was no surprise seeing as both Marxism and  communism disagreed with fascism on economics, politics, and class conflict. Totalitarian Stalinist Communism may have been similar in regards to  oppression and the function of the police state, but were ideologically opposed. Fascism wanted war and thought it was a natural state. Marxism had the desire for world revolution that would overthrow the ruling classes.Fascism did change the political and social order, but there was no desire to expunge the ruling classes or traditional conservatives. The class division that existed was the natural order and fits into the idea of hierarchy based on social Darwinism. Poverty and class exploitation was an example of survival of the fittest. Race and nationality was more important than class. Humanity from the perspective of the fascist is a war like species. Races will be at war with one another, because it is the natural order. Marxists and communists did not want mass global conflict. Fascism believed in  aggressive nationalism and that imperial expansion was required for survival. Italy's invasion of Ethiopia and Germany's  invasion of Poland demonstrated this. Fascism's hatred of Marxism was also economic. Fascism supported capitalism as long as it was in service to the state. Fascistic corporatism was based around the idea that big business and totalitarian government could bring stability to European countries suffering under the Great Depression. Free enterprise, with some controls  would by this reasoning bring back pre-World War I prosperity. The Marxist economic policy was to reject free markets and replace it with  a command economy. Nazism was opposed to capitalism and communism, but it was based around anti-semitic  conspiracy theory. Hitler's view was that the Jews manipulated international finance capital. Communism and capitalism were part of a large Jewish conspiracy aimed at weakening  Germany. national socialism used in the context of  German politics had a different meaning. Resources would be developed cooperatively with minimal  interference in capitalist enterprise. The fascists would ignore class disparity, but instead promise a vision even distribution of capital among the large industrialists and working class. This promise was not kept when the Nazi and Fascist Party consolidated power. Corporations and  major industrialists were favored over small business. Workers found that labor unions were banned in both Germany and Italy. Nationalism and support for the state was more important than worker's rights. The fascist movement was mindful not to follow a similar economic policy of its predecessors. Instead they focused on infrastructure and increasing employment. While there was industrial expansion, the real intent was to build a formidable war machine.  Fascism need Marxism as an excuse to enact political measures to hinder public protest. 

        Militarism was a common characteristic of the fascist regimes. The notion was that a nation needed to expand or else it would  decline. The population needed to embrace a pugnacious mentality. Propaganda was used to psychologically prepare the German and Italian public for  a large conflict. The reason World War II happened was not only because of the Great Depression, but fascism's rise as a popular form of European political thought. Imperialism was necessary for fascism's existence. A political philosophy that preached violence could only survive by the highest form of violence known: war. During the 1930s both Italy and Germany began taking territory through invasion or annexation. The justification was that certain people were part of weaker nations and stronger nations had the right to conquer them. Racist claims that colonized people needed European control were often used as an excuse for aggression. The whole of industry, culture, and society was preparing for conflict in fascist states. Boys who were in the Hitler Youth were given early lessons in armed combat, so in the future they would become soldiers. Nazi Germany's economic recovery revolved around the production of tanks, airplanes, and guns. Fascist societies were transformed into supporting military values. Obedience to authority, courage, and service to the state was glorified.  Militarism exists as part of a struggle for the survival of the fittest in the context of social Darwinism. Strong nations will naturally dominate weaker ones.  

     

Nations should not seek a peace in the fascist ideology. Diplomacy, however could still be employed to reach goals of territorial expansion. The Munich conference created the false image that Germany and Italy wanted  a stable peace.German troops later invaded Czechoslovakia and Italy absorbed Albania.   Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact, which had a major security impact on France.  Closing off the eastern front, allowed Germany more space to counter the British Empire and France simultaneously. The Third Reich was to be a large Germanic empire, which would rival that of the Holy Roman Empire and the unified German Empire. Italy's concept of New Rome was to reassert the country's level of power it had in the ancient world.  Militarism was part of the fascist ideology to encourage settlement in conquered areas. War was not just for glory, rather it was to  establish more space for  their populations. Lebensraum was a political concept utilized making the claim the German state demands territory to settle to support its citizens. War and militarism served other purposes other than empire building. It was a method of eliminating competing political and economic systems. Fascism could not coexist with democratic governments. Having a competing political system would always be a challenge to ambitions of imperial domination.
      Fascism sought to eliminate democracy, liberalism, and individualism. These ideas and political systems were a threat to the movement. It was not enough to liquidate opposition within their own borders. Conformist thought had to be imposed upon the whole world. Parliamentary democracy to fascist was an ineffective system. It was chaotic by nature and could not solve the problems efficiently. People do not rule themselves in the fascist convictions. They need a strong and determined leader to assert control. Dictatorship was needed to protect the state.  Liberalism was viewed as decadent and selfish. The state should matter more than the rights of the individual. Pluralism only produced inaction and aided the spread of instability. The people as a collective in terms of thought and action are better off being directed by a leader not restrained in political power. Fascists articulated this as a cause for the greater good, but  was designed to curtail civil rights and liberties. One leader has the majority of political power and one party dominates government.  The Nazi Party dominated the courts, schools, churches, and all organizations in Germany. The Italian Fascist Party also worked on a similar model having complete control of the press and entertainment. The assault on liberalism also took a cultural tone. Fascists presented themselves as defenders of traditional values and liberals part of a degenerate culture. This attracted many non-fascist conservatives who were fearful of leftists coming to power through elections.  Women's roles  were to be strictly that of wife and mother. Reproducing as much children as possible was their national duty, for those children would become builders of the state. The family unit was to be part of the state mechanism. Fascism wanted to replace the individual with the idea of  a "new man." The "new man" would be an person willing to sacrifice themselves for the fascist cause and create a stronger society. What would emerge from this process would be a totalitarian society in which life revolves around one political belief system . War with France and Great Britain was inevitable. If Britain had fallen, the United States would have been the next logical target of fascist aggression. Fascism could not have international competitors when advancing geopolitical objectives. 
       Racism and aggressive nationalism constituted a major part of fascist ideology. Hitler and Mussolini exalted their people above others, while vituperating groups considered inferior. Nazi Germany persecuted the European Jewish population resulting in the Holocaust. During Mussolini's regime more violence was inflicted in Libya to make it more Italian.Anti-semitism  and Anti-African racism were part of the  fascist ideology. Italy was in comparison less anti-Semitic , however enacted its race laws when forming a closer alliance with Germany in 1938. Much of the racism fascism espoused came from eugenics, pseudoscience, and traditional European colonial prejudice. Nazism promoted the myth that the Germans were a special people. The Aryan race was the greatest contributor to world civilization in Nazi ideology. The master race was destined to rule the world and dominate the inferior races. Racism extended beyond just skin color, there was an effort to make fascist nations culturally pure. German and Italian culture in the fascist belief system was seen as superior to other nationalities. Internationalism was also rejected, even though fascist movements emerged in various countries. Brazil, Chile, and South Africa had active fascist movements. The British Union of Fascists and the Silver Legion in the US were the most notable groups in the western democracies. Aggressive nationalism was connected to racism. A people that sees themselves as superior to others is more willing to dehumanize people who are different. Scapegoating and prejudice on a massive scale makes it easier to manipulate a population into acts of mass violence. Teaching youth to hate also ensured fascism could spread. The result was genocide and  numerous atrocities during World War II. Gypsies, Slavs, and Afro-Germans became victims of the Nazi regime.  Social Darwinist theory was then applied to other groups. The disabled, gay, or terminally ill became subject to persecution. Inequality, discrimination, and murder became justified because of the idea that certain people were  genetically inferior. Fascism dehumanized various races, religions, and nationalities.
     Populism was used to ensure political factionalism or protest was not possible. Fascist parties by saying they were with the people allowed them to manipulate public frustration. Public anger could be directed at their political opponents such as liberals and Marxists.  Fascists sided with the upper class elite, even though they espoused grievances with elements of the capitalist system. German populism during this period evolved from reactionary theories of  19th century philosophy. The Volk concept was a reaction to the Enlightenment. This group of thinkers espoused nationalism , the superiority of German culture, and the need for unification in the 1800s. This group became more racist and extreme, breaking away from historicists. The Nazi adopted this far-right philosophical ideas. The German people these ideas expressed had a unique destiny. Adolf Hitler would constantly express that the Germans were destined for greatness. Benito Mussolini presented himself as a relatable figure and a friend of the common man. Fascist presented liberals as bourgeoisie elites that lacked the fortitude to confront economic and political challenges. Farmers, shopkeepers, and workers became more responsive to the fascist message due to populist articulation. The upper class elites favored this, because it directed outrage related to wealth inequality at another target. Presenting fascist as defenders of the people became useful propaganda, which  their opponents could not neutralize. The hardships of the common person were not the elite that cause the depression rather the enemies of the fascist movement. The fascist movement by using populism as a political tool attempted to show that it was a real revolutionary movement. Such an assertion was spurious considering it still supported cultural traditionalism. Although Christianity was not compatible with fascist belief, it was  useful in manipulating older conservatives. Using the language of rejuvenation of society attracted younger sections of the population. Without populism the  fascist dictatorships could not have consolidated power.
         Fascism was defeated with the collapse of the Axis powers. The original founders may be gone, but the dangerous ideas they developed still thrive. Neofascism remains active in certain parts of Europe. The fall of communism as a political force caused serious economic consequences in  the former Soviet Union. Far-right extremist groups, anti-immigrant organizations, and neo-Nazis have emerged. Hate groups also pose a serious threat to democratic societies. These groups remain small, however support could be growing in a new wave of  global xenophobia. Refugees fleeing conflict zones has induced fear making people more prone to accept more extremist leaders. Anxiety surrounding the global economy also adds to this political shift. The difference between the neofascist and the fascist of the 20th century is that the current pretends to like liberal democracy. Neofascist  rarely state that they want to dismantle the system. Rather, a gradual replacement with an authoritarian model is the objective. Establishing a totalitarian government would be difficult in countries that have a long history of  democracy. The Wiemar Republic was a new political experiment for Germany. The majority of Italy's history was rule by monarchy. The transition to constitutional monarchy was easier in comparison to other European states. It failed to deal with the repercussions of a devastating World War I  intervention. Under political and economic pressure it could not resist fascist takeover. Economic instability, corruption, and poor leadership make democratic systems vulnerable to violent ideologies.The destruction unleashed has puzzled historians, sociologists, and psychologists.   The fascist movement was a dark period in world history. Fascism legacy is one of death and ruin.

References 

Soucy, Robert. "Fascism." Britannica Encyclopedia.  Britannica Encyclopedia Inc ., 2 Jan.2020  

       <https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism> . 

Hulling. Mark. Contemporary Political Ideologies Movements and Regimes. New York : 

           Harper Collins College Publishers, 1996. 

Ebenstein, William. Great Political Thinkers Plato to Present. New York : 

             Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc, 1960. 

Sabine, George. A History of Political Theory. New York : Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc, 1961.

Russia Has Been Accused of Aiding Armed Groups in Afghanistan

The Russian Federation has been accused of arming militants in Afghanistan. This is according to US intelligence. The accusation goes even further to say that Russia placed bounties on US forces. There remains some reason to be skeptical of such claims. Incorrect or fabricated intelligence was used as a justification for the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The US has been occupying Afghanistan since 2001 and wants to remain indefinitely. The country holds too many resources and geopolitical importance to leave. There needs to be a real or imagined threat to keep an endless war going. Russia has been made to be a scapegoat form American domestic and international problems. The analysis fails to realize that the majority of Afghans are vexed at US occupation and the Asharf Ghani government. More sanctions are planned on the Russian Federation. The timing comes during an election year, which also raises further questions. Xenophobia will obviously directed at Russia and China will be a tool in the 2020 US presidential election. The Afghan War  has been one of America's longest conflicts with no end in sight. There is a possibility that Russia could be doing this in response to NATO build-up in Eastern Europe and the Baltic. The US aided mujahideen in the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War. The perilous actions of aiding terrorist organizations or armed groups can result in blowback. Afghanistan is trapped in game of chess between two major world powers.     

Kim Yo Jong Threatens Military Action Against South Korea

North Korean and South Korean relations may be going through another phase of deterioration. Kim Yo Jong the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened military action. She accused South Korea of not advancing bilateral relations and continuing to drop anti-North Korean propaganda pamphlets in its territory. The hope was that North Korea and South Korea could reach a diplomatic agreement without external influence. For a period, it seemed like this approach was working. This is happening under the US-China rivalry based on trade and influence in Asia. The statements by Kim Yo Jong could just be rhetoric to deflect crippling sanctions that have been placed on North Korea by the United Nations and US. Her status and power seems to be increasing. Some observers have even speculated that if anything were to happen to Kim Jong Un, she would be his successor. The liaison office based in Kaesong may not reopen. It was established as a way for both nations to have diplomatic communication. The stall in nuclear agreement talks have also caused more frustration. Kim Yo Jong's words could just be empty, but there is always fear a Korean crisis could break out.  

There Was Never A State of Global Normalcy

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed life around the world. It has made people wish for some type of normalcy. The illusion is that there was some form of stability. Global normalcy is a myth. War, poverty, economic instability, and a general decay of society was prevalent before the pandemic. The notion that nation-states are acting as guides in global crisis is shattered with the continued deaths and increasing infection rates. Some have been insulated in bubbles, without recognition of the extent of human suffering. The common maxim "we are all in this together" shows a level of delusion that the public has. Disproportionately the elderly, discriminated ethnic groups, and the poor are effected the worse by the pandemic. These groups were already at a disadvantage in society. The crisis just exposed how they are isolated and marginalized. The calls for unity are only statements as international conflicts and disputes continue. The US, Russia, and China are still in a struggle for geopolitical dominance. Iran and North Korea remain under sanctions. The constant state of conflict and animosity was never normal. The developed world has been protected from some of the erratic events of the globe, but this could be coming to an end. Neoliberal capitalism has put the average person in a condition of financial vulnerability. Unemployment and a weakened social safety net will certainly cause civil unrest. Global normalcy and the international order have been set into disarray. The world will never be the same and does not appear to be progressing to a better future. Stability  never a part of the world.Once the pandemic has ended, there will be more contention and division among nations. Previous global issues and disputes could escalate. World history is an extensive documentation of armed conflict, economic struggle, and unrest. Global normalcy was a concept designed to create the illusion of stability and international order.
      Warfare continues unrestrained despite the international crisis. Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria,Libya, Somalia, Yemen,  and the DRC remain in states of conflict. Israel has not softened its aggression either, with plans to expand settlements underway. There are even attempts to depose legitimately elected governments. Venezuela could be facing a possible US attack or regime change by the Trump administration. It has been alleged that mercenaries were sent to induce a coup against President Nicholas Maduro's government. The US and the right-wing governments in Latin America are attempting to remove socialist or leftist governments either by direct force or  covert action. Warfare has become a normal part of the international stage, with various nations planning massive conflicts. China and Russia have been demonized to distract from internal problems of the EU and US. The reason conflict is encouraged has to due with economic and political factors. The arms trade would not exist if it were not for armed conflict. The business of building tanks, guns, aircraft, and naval ships is too profitable. The United States, Russia, the UK, and Germany have invested too much in arms exports. The world has never been in a general state of peace. Politically, the democracies of the West do not have anything to offer the public in the face of economic collapse. Politicians rather not embark on ambitious reform or programs to address social and international problems. Instead a tactic is to use scapegoating and fear to direct public anger at another country or race. The COVID-19 pandemic will inevitably make the world blame China. The disputes related to trade and geopolitics could result in war. Analysis have described a new Cold War between the US and China, but the tension seems more critical. The 20th century saw devastating conflicts such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the wars in Indochina. There was hope that with a newly established United Nations, that international disputes could be solved without violence. Once more, world power politics continued to be the mode of operation. During the Cold War it was two superpowers in competition for global influence. When the Soviet Union collapsed this cause a dramatic change. The US was the sole superpower . As old ethnic and religious hatreds emerged in a changing world, so did the mass migration of people. Internationalism and globalism is being rejected in favor of a more rabid xenophobic nativism. The world is not one; it is nations fighting one another. Unity among humankind it is impossible as long as people cling to their national, racial, and religious hatreds. The fact that conflicts have continued despite the global pandemic is proof of this.
        Economic insecurity has been a constant menace to various nations of the world. Neoliberal  capitalism has failed to produce prosperity for the majority of the world's population. Under such strain, income inequality and poverty will only get worse. The only logical conclusion that can be made is that the capitalist system no longer works. The only reason to attempt to salvage such a system is because no clear  alternative exists. Socialism could be a solution to such problems, but world revolution is out of reach. There are numerous political, social, and regional circumstances that prevent such an event from emerging. At the most basic level, the world population has not reach a level of consciousness to do so. The world's poor have no power. Even in the liberal democracies, the politicians and legislators favor the elite. The average citizen has less influence compared  the corporations who largely finance certain political figures and organizations. Poverty can no longer be hidden with more people requiring food stamps and unemployment assistance. The global economy has bee erratic since the Great Depression. The stock market crash in 1987, the Asian financial crisis in 1998, and the 2008 global financial crisis are just a few examples in recent history of economic instability. The pandemic is not to blame for the sudden economic crisis. This was the inevitable result of supply side economics, deregulation of banking, and neoliberal economic policy. The concern was about economic growth and accumulation of profit. Stagnant incomes or decline in the standard of living was not the concern of business leaders or economic advisors. Social mobility has become more out of reach for the majority of workers, while others fall from a position of financial security. Workers have been struggling for one decade to the next, with little help. While a select few at the top of the social scale have seen more wealth, that was taken as a sign everyone was doing well.  The illusion was shattered and the world grows evermore restless. Class oppression, which was seen as normal is now being challenged. Human history since the rise of civilization has been be pyramid structure of social hierarchy . Oppression is not a normalcy, rather it shows the level of dysfunction in a society. A new distinct conflict is emerging, which is based around class.For most of human history this has been happening, yet now it has become even more pronounced.Economic  recovery may never come,but for most it did not materialize. The myth of economic security has come to an end and world governments do not have a proper response.
         A combination of  erratic world events has created social decay. The largest example is the inadequate amount of healthcare the average person receives. Countries with functioning healthcare systems are able to handle the pandemic better. Before countries that are reliant on private insurance have caused much distress to the public. Insurance basically decides what type of care a person  receives or whether or not a person get care at all. Developing countries struggle to maintain a basic healthcare system. Connecting business with healthcare only shows how corrupt society has become. Profit and business is more important than human life. This may only be an extension of other negative attitudes. Racial animosity is on the rise, with immigrants being used as scapegoats. Hate groups, fringe organizations, and far-right extremists are becoming politically acceptable. Out of fear and hate they are being embraced by a public that is vulnerable to propaganda. The social decay that is happening was not sudden. This was a gradual deterioration of communities. Globalization and partisan politics cause massive division around the world. Instead of  expanding opportunity governments added to social decay. Public programs and services were being dismantled in favor of privatization. Along with unfair tax codes and the disappearance of high paying jobs, poverty increased. The developing wold had been dealing with economic challenges since independence from former colonizers. The 2008 global financial meltdown saw Europe impose the most stern measures of fiscal austerity. Generations may never experience comfort or stability like they did in the past. As the elite gain more wealth and power, it becomes more apparent that conventional means of political participation cannot stop them. The anger and frustration has become too enormous to placate. Civil unrest could be a possibility, if there is not some way to combat social decay.
        The current world crisis has exposed many faults with humanity. Prejudice, suspicion, hatred, and scapegoating have been prevalent. The calls for unity are mostly disingenuous coming from the US-EU block. Sanctions are still being imposed on Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea. Discussions of aid or assistance has been non-existent for these states. There are some people in society that are not deemed important, but contradicts the mythical narrative that humanity is fighting all together one of the worst crisis of the century. African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans are dying at higher rates from COVID-19. Medical neglect demonstrates that the US does not care about citizens are are not white. The most egregious aspect is that spurious claim has been accepted that these ethnic groups just do not take care of their health. The elderly also are seen as low priority with retirement homes facing high rates of infection. These cases of abuse and neglect were common even before the pandemic. Normalcy was never a part of the world. There is talk of  times being unprecedented or turbulent. History has been a narrative of violence, unrest, and dramatic social change. Wars, revolutions, and civil disturbance were common. The difference now, is that more people are taking note of  this cycle unrest. Technology has allowed greater access to information and the ability to document events as they happen. The promotion of blind optimism or the false sense of unity is designed to keep the population passive. World civilization is going to be changed an extreme fashion and it may be difficult for people to accept.The ruling elite want to maintain the economic and political status quo, but a growing number of people will question it. So much so that the mechanisms of liberal democracy will be subject to scrutiny. The international order of the 20th century has officially collapsed. A new world has emerged and the concept of global normalcy has come to an end.            

Anti-African Racism in China

The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a wave of racism and xenophobia across the globe. It also is a lugubrious reminder of racism that is not commonly discussed in other nations. Anti-African racism in China has been prevalent, even though it has diplomatic  relationships with multiple AU nations.Incidents of discrimination and scapegoating have harmed Africa-China relations. The biggest failure was not admitting the problem. As the US and EU become more suspicious of China, this comes with a security risk. African countries such as Zimbabwe or South Africa could break off relations if racist abuse is not adequately addressed. Guangzhou witness cases in which Africans were evicted from hotels and had their passports confiscated. Animosity between Africa and Asia only advances neocolonial western geopolitics. France, Germany, the US, and UK have a desire to have greater spheres of influence in Africa both politically and economically. China is seen as a challenger to the US-EU block. Sinophobia has grown across the world, with many blaming China for the pandemic. It is critical that African and Asian nations demonstrate solidarity in a time in which possible military action could be taken against them. These racist acts do not come as a surprise, seeing as Tibetans and Uighurs have been subject to similar abuse. President Xi Jingping's silence and inaction will only cause more harm to the country as a whole. China will have to repair and do more in terms of its diplomacy to maintain relations with African nations.   

The IMF World Economic Outlook

The International Monetary Fund has predicted a very challenging global economy. There has been a sharp decline in economic growth. Such a dramatic change has not been seen since the Great Depression. The world economy suffered a major collapse in 2008 causing unemployment and a decline in living standards. Conditions are so poor that the UK may have to delay leaving the European Union once more. Some economists believe that this is only a minor recession and should stabilize once lock downs and quarantines end. This may not be the case for people who become unemployed when the public health crisis occurred. A depression may have happened regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neoliberal capitalism and supply side economics has created an erratic global market. The poorest countries will be effected the most. Many are still in debt to the IMF with little benefits coming from loans. The US and EU countries will not be entirely spared. Fiscal austerity measures and structural adjustment could be used to ensure the system remains intact, It will come at the expense of the working public. The decline in social services, adequate pay, or a banking panic would result in civil unrest. At some point new solutions will be require to prevent complete breakdown of the global economy.    

Burkina Faso Struggles to Combat Armed Groups

Burkina Faso's army is crisis in the battle against armed groups. Since 2015, they have grown in number, which has also resulted in issues with surrounding countries. France has used the rise of militancy as an excuse to have a presence in the country. The government has now taken steps to arm the population. This could backfire depending on social and political situations. The more guns and weapons a community has the less secure it will be. Even with the defeat of armed groups, there could be a crime wave or possibly a civil war if the government is not functional. Burkina Faso's army may not be large enough to fight armed groups and they may not have the right training to handle insurgencies. Villages that are located in remote areas face a threat from radical political Islamist armed groups. It cannot be certain if these groups are indigenous or being guided by an external force. When President Blaise Compaore  fell from power in 2014, the country faced destabilization. The law that seeks to arm civilians demands that volunteers not be members of a political party or group. The reasoning could be that political factionalism would only encourage more war or ethnic conflict. Terrorism has become a bigger security issue for the African continent as well as European military intervention. 

The Death of Qasem Soleimani and How Iran Might Seek Retaliation

The assassination of  Iranian  general Qasem  Soleimani  has brought condemnation from the international community. Some have wondered what was the reason for such a violent response from the US. Some speculated that war is coming soon and the US wants to downgrade Iran's ability to fight. Some  American politicians have suggested that it is a distraction to corruption in the Trump presidency. What ever the case may be Iran will respond. It has a few options in other countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. US military bases would be targeted. It would be unlikely that a terrorist attack would be conducted on US soil. Iran is one of the regions biggest military powers next to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The US has caused more controversy by engaging in a policy of  targeted assassination. Turkey wants to assert itself more in the region and if conflict were to break out it would be involved. Turkish military  involvement has already occurred in Syria and Iraq. The death of Qasem Soleimani only complicates matters in a volatile region .     

The Need For An International Peace Movement

The world now is more connected than ever. It has become as smaller environment with many people. Warfare and conflict can spread rapidly between continents. Instead of a pathway to stability world powers seek geopolitical competition. The need for an international peace movement has become more pivotal as a means to counter mass global conflict. Humanity's survival could be at risk with the expansion of war zones across nation-states. The world population has the ability to aid in its own extinction with a constant increase of international disputes. Other factors are motivators for acts of aggression. The growing power of xenophobia, racism, and aggressive nationalism exacerbate various global situations. The military industrial complex and the arms trade explain what there is an economic investment in war. World leaders have a political need for permanent warfare. War can act as a unifying force, enemy nations can be a scapegoat for political or social problems, and there comes a level of prestige to the victor nation. Brutal conquests thought to be a relic of the past, just happen differently in the contemporary era. Justifications such as democracy promotion, human rights, or the concept of responsibility to protect are designed to enable western countries to invade African, Asian, and Latin American nations. The simple narrative is that this is liberation from rouge regimes, that abuse their people. The intent is for the UK, US, France, and  Germany to have influence in the former colonies that they once possessed. The countries that feel the impact of neo-colonial imperialism  resist for a period, but this has dire consequences. The wars may end in defeat or long term damage to the countries rebelling against the imposed world order. This shift to using violence and  coercion  is an attempt to stop the rise of a mulipolar world political order. China and Russia are subjects of many US and EU discussions on security. If too much reckless behavior is done the world could fall into another as catastrophic as World War I and World War II. The only logical solution to prevent such risks is to have an international peace movement. With enough pressure, such a movement can stop smaller conflicts and prevent a larger global  conflagration.
         Diplomacy and skilled foreign relations were intended to maintain peace. However, it is being used to ensure that world power competition continues. The shifting alliances are for the sake of military pacts. NATO gradually has become more than about the security of Europe. During the 20th century the alliance was a practical one to counter  the Soviet Union in post -World War II Europe. Instead it is attempting to ensure that western nations maintain predominance and prevent the rise of a multipolar system. NATO has been involved various conflicts from Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Libya. This is technically military aggression disguised as humanitarian intervention and democracy promotion. An international peace movement must counter this false narrative that world opinion has adopted. The praxis of foreign relations and diplomacy must be changed to ensure new conflicts are not created or merge with preexisting ones. The international peace movement must become more involved with the United Nations. For too long major powers have been shielded from the same rules and regulations of the UN Charter. The United States or Israel would never face sanctions for their military actions in the Middle East. International law must be equally applied to all nations, not a select few. The nations that are classified as rogue states such as Iran or  North Korea  are demonized as threats, but their military strength is no where near the level of the US, UK, Germany, France, or Italy. Presenting an existential threat  that is imagined is designed to keep the military industrial complex relevant to foreign policy planning. War has essential become a tool of foreign policy with nations contemplating how to intervene either directly or indirectly. Part of the international peace movement is to separate warfare from foreign policy planning. If this is not done there is a chance of a possible conflict between the US-EU block and the Russia-China alliance.
         The international peace movement must reject the concept of just war and armies . The concept of just war is that it is designed to save people and prevent atrocities. Normally, this is one power dominating a weaker state. If out right conquest can not be achieved, then indirect influence can be established. Venezuela and Bolivia are subject to US influence, which they reject yet the threat of violence is used. Russia has since 2014 gained an abnormal amount of influence in Ukraine. The US frames its own inference as a means of protecting Ukraine, when it is only interested in its own geopolitical objectives. Every country on Earth has an armed force for its alleged protection. Some nations are more than capable of defending themselves, but rationalize aggression and violence as national security. The majority of countries do not want peace. The very fact that armies exist demonstrate that humanity has a long and violent history. For all the advancement in civilization and technology  humankind has not figured out a way to live as neighbors. When this perspective is presented, there is a logical reason to have armies disbanded. Banning armed forces would be impossible considering warfare has been a constant presence in human history. The arms trade, military industrial complex, and  the political establishment have too much investment in perpetual confrontation. The only strategy to counter such powerful forces would be to resist the draft and selective service. It would require that every person of military service age to repudiate calls to serve. The only legitimate circumstance to arm one's self is to resist oppression. That is justified when a political system or state  seeking to control and repress its citizens. The abolition of armies should be a policy. As long as every nation has a military there will never be peace.
         The threat of another mass global conflict has never disappeared. The end of the Cold War gave the world a false sense of security. Instead the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China could be moving toward direct military engagement. All over the world these powers of both Europe and Asia are competing with one another both economically and politically. The Middle East and Africa have become areas of proxy wars in which the opposing powers are arming multiple belligerents in smaller conflicts. It is possible that smaller disputes can escalate into much larger conflicts. The international peace movement must counter world powers attempts to initiate or conduct global war. The public has long convinced itself that leaders do not want war, but policies and actions demonstrate otherwise. War has been used to spread neocolonial imperialism under the context of human rights protection or democratization. The ulterior motive is to gain control of certain natural resources before other world powers do. The international peace movement must stop this behavior, before a possible cataclysmic event occurs. The last two global wars in the 20th century had major repercussions, many which still effect the state of world politics. World War I started due to European colonial imperialism, rival alliance systems, and large power competition. The result of that conflict cause the collapse of the German, Russian, and Ottoman Empire. The economic and political instability that followed gave birth to fascism as an alternative to disorder. World War II stared due the the fascist political movement,aggressive nationalism, and a more militarist imperial ideology. Events such as these could easily happen again. Global war may be a greater possibility with the most powerful nations attempting to impose a governance system on various countries or experimenting with nation building projects. The 2003 Iraq War was an example of using war to advance a geopolitical agenda and making nation building a form of foreign policy. The response was that other nations were going to arm themselves to counter possible aggression for western powers. Internal instability is used by world powers a pretext for invasion. An international peace movement can prevent global conflict, before it reaches a dire level. World leaders have so far not been able or willing to end wars.
         War can destroy society and civilization. The combination of bombing and  the damage from armed forces on the ground can devastate infrastructure and habitability of  a nation. The humanitarian crisis is not just the war itself, but the tragedy that come afterward. Homelessness, poverty, and refugees looking for safety are the results of long term military action. Society cannot be functional without a certain level of development, economic activity, and an active citizenry. The foundation of society are the communities that work and contribute to its daily operation. Without the individuals, families, and groups that constitute a nation, society does not exist. Certain conditions are required to prevent a country from falling into being a failed state. Economic prosperity, limited violence, rule of law, freedom, and equality are the elements that keep society strong. When these elements are not present and some major geopolitical crisis occurs society can collapse. Even the victorious nations in war face a number of public challenges. The issue of integrating combat soldiers back into civilian life becomes more difficult. The mental and physical health decline of former soldiers becomes more evident to a population who begins to question the motivation for war. The victor nation may become more divided over the politics and policies of the government. Division may become so great, the reconciliation and collaboration may not be possible among various political groups. Society becomes so fragmented, a country cannot not be whole. The nation that is defeated in war either remains in a feeble condition or under occupation from the victor. Society cannot exist under the conditions of intense combat.
    Civilization itself is under threat from military aggression. While many like to think that conflicts on other continents do not effect them, this notion is incorrect. Multiple governments could be making alliances with other nations interfering with regional war zones. Obligations under treaties of security may force numerous countries to go to war with one another. A cross continental conflict could be fought on the land, air, or  at sea. Few areas would be safe if  such a mass global conflict were to emerge. Technology has aided the rise of more powerful weapons. The earliest weapons were clubs, which the gave way to daggers. Swords and spears become more widespread. Guns and artillery radically changed war making warfare more lethal. As time passed war became more mechanized with planes and tanks. The invention of nuclear weapons made it possible that humanity could be capable of its own destruction. So far,nuclear war has not been fought. However, there may be some in leadership positions who have the desire or at least contemplated using them. The US, China, Russia, UK , France, Germany, Pakistan, India, and Israel possess nuclear weapons. These countries have complicated relations with one another and there is no guarantee that if war was declared  nuclear weapons would be excluded. A nuclear war could annihilate cities and cause a rapid  decline in public health conditions. Instead of making more treaties to reduce or eliminate nuclear weapons completely some nations chose to pursue an arms race. The US withdraw from the INF Treaty signals a change in 30 years of nuclear weapons policy. The world has not been freed from the prospect of a nuclear exchange. A total global war would be so destructive not only would civilization end, humanity would not survive. An international peace movement could effectively preserve society and civilization for the forces that promote belligerence.
       Human life must be protected and under war this is not feasible. Civilians will ultimately be victims of murder and rape during war. The Geneva Convention states the legal conduct of armies during war and that the attack on civilians constitutes war crimes. Nations that win wars or that are too powerful to punish are not subjected to international law. Less powerful countries are reprimanded more so in comparison. Despite this obvious double standard, responsibility to protect has been invoked to either bully or subjugate nations of the global south. The wars to either save and protect people from rouge states causes more collateral damage. Warfare has never resulted in the protection of human life. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Seniors could be too ill to flee a war zone and conditions may be so poor that immediate medical attention is not possible. Children are dependent on adults for their survival. Parents cannot protect their children under the extreme and predictable war zone environment. There are instances in which children are used as instruments of war. The use of child soldiers has been documented in Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. Robbed of their childhoods, they are forced to fight and be a part of  armed groups or the military. This violation of children's basic rights  goes either unnoticed or is not give enough exposure to the international public. Educating the world about this practice will help advance the international peace movement. Also researching causality figures can help change public opinion. Having such data available may appeal to the ethical standards of a population, that was formally manipulated into supporting war. By the time soldier deaths mount, it is already too late to resist the war policy of  a government. This is the most cogent argument for developing a long lasting international peace movement. The loss of human life is too great a risk to wage war on any level.
       The growing problem of xenophobic nativist nationalism enables confrontation. Dehumanization makes it easier to for people to murder various ethnic or racial groups. Nations justify violence by demonizing other countries as threats or being barbaric. Racism and hate are powerful motivators that get populations to inflict damage upon one another. Ethnic conflicts in Rwanda, Cambodia, the former Yugoslavia, and Myanmar demonstrate how lethal ethnic hatreds can be. The Holocaust and Armenian genocide are horrid reminders of humanity's more malevolent tendencies. Such behavior must be countered to ensure the control of war and violence. Aggressive nationalism must be expunged if there is to be a world of stability. As long as there are nations who believe that it is their right to dominate the world, global security is not possible. Aggression comes in the form of democracy promotion, nation building, and regime change. The smaller and by comparison  militarily weaker authoritarian states become targets not due to their human rights abuses rather their natural resources. A disproportionate number of African, Asian, and Latin American states have faced attack or interference from European countries and the US. The EU and the US feel as if they have a right to intervene in these countries viewing them as lesser beings. Arrogance, racism, and prejudice have come with a price. The system of permanent warfare has created the worst refugee crisis the world has ever seen. Millions have fled the Middle East and Africa as a result of  western military action. There needs to be a change in racial attitudes and the conduct between nations. The international peace movement must not only stop war, but also counter xenophobic nativist nationalism and racist ideology. Such political beliefs make it easier for the justification of aggressive war. The focus should be on fighting ideologies that seek to undermine freedom, equality and human rights.
       A long lasting international peace movement can be a means of preventing mass global conflict, loss of human life, the deterioration of society,  and regional instability. A movement of such a scale cannot be temporary, but a permanent fixture. The environmentalist movement has become an international force bringing attention to the growing problems of climate change. However, there exists no such momentum for a peace movement. Many times they emerge and disappear depending on the length of armed combat. When wars are either won or lost the peace movements vanish. Activism against war must continue, because war planning never stops. NATO, the Pentagon, the EU, and various military think tanks constantly formulate policies for armed combat. Certain countries are targeted for either harassment or regime change in the distant future. There are few organizations involved in an establishment of peace or conflict resolution. The United Nations should be a platform to ensure peace and diplomatic negotiation. Yet, there are cases in which it is a culprit in promoting warfare. UN Resolution 1973 and the Gulf War were questionable acts. Peacekeeping missions can also draw scrutiny. National sovereignty can be violated with a UN peace keeping force attempting to impose order and stability. Few western nations provide troops to UN peacekeeping forces, instead the majority come from African, Asian, or Latin American countries. The model of ensuring peace has not reduced warfare in various areas of the globe. The inadequacy of peace initiatives of the UN become more apparent when examining the war in Yemen, the instability of  South Sudan, and the challenges in the DRC. An international peace movement will have to involve multiple organizations from across the world to ensure practical resolution of ongoing conflicts. The complete disappearance of war may not be a political possibility. So much of human history has been driven by combat, that it almost seems natural behavior. What could be done is gradual commitment to reducing wars and  containing conflicts . An international peace movement is required to ensure that humankind has a future.