Post-War Power Struggles and the Instinct to Survive: Reflections on Pumpkin Scissors

War doesn’t end with the signing of treaties. The aftermath—the rebuilding, the shifting power dynamics, and the personal battles of those left behind—often tells a deeper story. Pumpkin Scissors captures this turbulent post-war period with striking realism, exploring how power struggles and human survival instincts shape the world after the guns go silent.

While it’s a fictional series, Pumpkin Scissors feels all too familiar in its themes. It delves into how war reshapes societies and individuals, often revealing both the best and worst of human nature. Watching it made me reflect on the complexities of survival and the ripple effects of power left unchecked.

The Power Vacuum After War

One of the central themes in Pumpkin Scissors is the chaos that follows war’s end. The power vacuum left by a weakened government becomes a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation. From war profiteers to rogue military factions, the series paints a grim picture of how institutions meant to protect can be turned into tools of oppression.

This aligns with Thomas Hobbes’ view of the “state of nature” described in Leviathan. Hobbes argued that without a strong governing authority, humans are driven by self-interest, leading to conflict and instability. In the world of Pumpkin Scissors, we see this philosophy play out: those with power manipulate the vulnerable, while others struggle to maintain order in the chaos.

However, the series also offers hope. The Pumpkin Scissors unit, led by Alice Malvin, embodies the idea that justice can prevail even in the most corrupt systems. Their fight against entrenched power structures is a reminder that change begins with individuals willing to stand up against injustice.

The Human Instinct to Survive

At its core, Pumpkin Scissors is about survival—not just physical survival but the survival of hope, morality, and dignity in a world that seems intent on crushing them. Each character in the series represents a different facet of this struggle.

Take Randel Oland, for example. As a former soldier from the 901st Anti-Tank Trooper unit, he carries the psychological scars of war. His survival instincts, honed on the battlefield, often clash with his desire to protect and rebuild in peacetime. This internal conflict mirrors psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs.

While Randel fights to meet basic needs—safety and stability—Alice represents the higher levels of the hierarchy: purpose and self-actualization. Together, they show how survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about finding meaning in life after the chaos.

The Corruption of Power

Pumpkin Scissors doesn’t shy away from showing how power, when unchecked, can become a destructive force. Warlords, corrupt officials, and opportunistic corporations fill the void left by the collapse of traditional authority. The series critiques this exploitation, highlighting how the post-war period often allows the powerful to grow stronger while the weak are left to fend for themselves.

Political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli’s work The Prince provides a fitting lens for this dynamic. Machiavelli famously argued that power is inherently self-serving, and those in power often prioritize their interests over the common good. In the world of Pumpkin Scissors, this principle is evident in the greed and corruption that permeate society.

Yet, the series also explores resistance. The Pumpkin Scissors unit’s efforts to combat these forces remind us that while power can corrupt, it can also be challenged by those with courage and conviction.

Rebuilding Humanity

While the series focuses on the external struggles of rebuilding a war-torn nation, it also delves deeply into the internal battles faced by its characters. From PTSD to moral disillusionment, Pumpkin Scissors paints a nuanced picture of the psychological toll of war.

Psychologist Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning provides valuable insight here. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, argued that even in the darkest circumstances, finding meaning is key to survival. For the characters in Pumpkin Scissors, their mission to restore order and justice is a way of reclaiming their humanity in the face of despair.

Why It Matters Today

The themes of Pumpkin Scissors are as relevant today as ever. Post-war struggles aren’t confined to history books—they’re ongoing in many parts of the world. The series serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the complexities of rebuilding in its aftermath.

It also challenges us to consider our own roles in systems of power. Are we passive observers, or are we actively working to create a more just and equitable society? As Alice Malvin says in the series, “Justice isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you fight for.”

A Story About Us

Pumpkin Scissors isn’t just a story about war—it’s a story about us. It’s about how we navigate power, how we survive in the face of adversity, and how we rebuild after loss. It asks hard questions about morality, justice, and the human instinct to survive—and it doesn’t offer easy answers.