Weapons of War: Are They Protecting or Threatening Our Future?

In today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, a concerning trend is emerging across nations, big and small alike. This trend involves the unprecedented amassing of armaments and military expenditures, raising significant questions about the efficacy of such an approach to national security. The sheer scale of global military spending in 2022, reaching an astonishing 2.24 trillion dollars, deserves our careful scrutiny. The rise in military spending in North Africa by 11% over the past decade, Ukraine's allocation of 34% of its GDP to the military.

The United States' ambitious plans to increase its military budget to 1.3 trillion dollars by 2033 are all red flags demanding our attention. Equally noteworthy is the fact that the per capita expenditure on defense exceeds $2500 in many countries, surpassing the annual per capita expenditure of more than three-quarters of the world's nations.

Why the Arms Race?

At first glance, it may seem logical for nations to invest heavily in armaments and military capabilities to fortify their defenses. The prevailing belief is that robust military might serves as an impenetrable shield against security breaches and terrorist attacks. Governments and leaders worldwide invest exorbitant sums with the hope that this expenditure will render them invincible. However, a critical analysis reveals that the reality often falls far short of these lofty expectations.

A History of Unfulfilled Promises

Recent chapters in the history of warfare have shown that massive military spending does not guarantee victory or security. The United States, for instance, expended trillions of dollars in Afghanistan and Iraq, only to face a situation that ultimately led to withdrawal rather than a triumphant conclusion. This raises profound questions about the efficacy of such immense military investments.

Similarly, Russia, long regarded as a military superpower, encountered substantial difficulties when it ventured into Ukraine in 2022. Despite its formidable military arsenal, Russia struggled to attain its objectives, casting doubt on the notion that excessive military spending ensures success on the battlefield.

Even Israel, often lauded for its robust security measures, and known to be gold standard in security & self defence, experienced an unprecedented breach of its borders and security when Hamas unleashed thousands of rockets and infiltrated its territory just a few days ago. This incident underscored the limitations of extensive military spending and the fragility of the aura of invincibility.

Weapons vs. People

History (from Vietnam till now) has time and again demonstrated that weapons are no match to people. Throughout history, it has become increasingly evident that weaponry alone cannot secure victory or guarantee national security. The true strength of a nation lies in its people and their ability to build peaceful, inclusive societies. Weapons and military might can, at best, provide a false sense of safety and security but can never be a panacea for the complex challenges of our world.

The Beneficiaries of War

One striking beneficiary of the ongoing arms race is the armament industry, which thrives on conflict and war. Politicians, at times, align themselves with the interests of this industry, leading to the perpetuation of violence and the exacerbation of conflicts between communities, societies, and nations. The prevalence of the gun culture in the United States and the troubling frequency of innocent civilians falling victim to violence are stark reminders of this phenomenon.

The Responsibility of Citizens

In the grand scheme of things, the responsibility for the current state of affairs rests squarely on the shoulders of the citizens of nations worldwide. Politicians are elected representatives who can alter policies related to war and military expenditure, but they are ultimately accountable to the people who put them in office. Moreover, society's fascination with violence, as perpetuated by movies and video games, plays a considerable role in sustaining the culture of militarization.

Every citizen is indirectly supporting violence. Look at the movies. Every second movie whether English, Asian or others glorify violence. The Hero is a macho-man when he beats up dozens of people, stands up against an army of men and bullets, large scale destruction of property, vehicles, people etc. Instead of abhorring violence, the movies make heroes out of violence.

Look at video games, Young children are addicted to video games. And what games – simulated war games.

If no violence is depicted, movies and video games will not thrive. Violence is getting ingrained in our psychy.

Its about time were realise the violence, war, armies and weapons is not going to fight war on terror. Its not going to save us from terror. It only builds a illusion off? safety and security or are we are just playing into the hands of the arms industry and politicians and building up their wealth.

War is a conspiracy hatched by our? leaders who themselves don't participate in war. It is the general public who has got to give sacrifices.?They live in fortified bunkers

A Call for Peace

At this crucial juncture in history, the time has come for humanity to recognize that war, armies, and weapons cannot solve the problem of terrorism or guarantee security. Instead, they contribute to the enrichment of the armament industry and serve the political interests of a select few.

As Sadhguru aptly observes, "War has become an Industry".

The true solution lies in peaceful coexistence, effective conflict resolution, and embracing a path of non-violence, as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi. The change must start from within and in each one of us.

Epic Failure of Institutions

War isn’t just a simple disagreement between two countries. It leads to turmoil and upheaval of peace in both parties involved. It’s always about the powerful versus the powerless. Rarely is it about what’s right and wrong.

Institutions like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice were set up after the World War in the last century. But they have failed miserably to to put an end to war. There has not been a single year where a war has taken place in the world.

Business Leaders have a role to play

The Business Leaders cant turn a deaf ear to whats going on around us. They are an influential community and often times influence the government, leaders and politicians. By being silent on this important issue facing mankind, either they are showing apathy or being complicit in the business opportunities as a result of war.

The world stands at a crossroads, where the cost of militarization, both in terms of resources and human lives, has reached staggering proportions. It is now more critical than ever for nations to reassess their priorities and invest in diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. By shifting our focus from arms to empathy, from violence to understanding, we can begin to envision a world where mankind puts an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. The choice is ours to make, and the consequences of that choice will shape the course of our collective future.

Its about time that the global citizens and countries shun countries that go to war. Its about time that we stop dealing with these countries (economically & socially) and ostracize them from the main stream society globally. Yes it will be difficult given the world wide web of economics but some one has to bite the bullet if we are to avert World War III and may be even a nuclear catastrophe (dont we hear some Russian leaders sabre rattling the possible threat of use of nuclear weapons).

Its about time that we the People of this planet "SAY NO TO WAR"

?Well, will people, politicians and countries listen or will we see another mad race of war and military spending, only time will tell………..

Hope we realise sooner than later that

Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.

#war #warfare #arms #human #peace #internationalrelations