The Perennial 'Madman' Narrative
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently stated he cannot imagine Russian President Vladimir Putin without war, a sentiment widely amplified by Western media. This framing suggests an inherent, almost pathological, Russian aggression, simplifying a complex geopolitical struggle into a morality play. Yet, this narrative is as old as the Cold War itself. One might recall similar
pronouncements made about Saddam Hussein or Muammar Gaddafi, paving the way for interventions that ultimately proved disastrous, as seen during the 2003 Iraq invasion and the 2011 intervention in Libya, which left a void filled by chaos and slave markets. American defense contractors, fueled by a 37% increase in defense spending since 2015, stand to gain immensely from prolonged conflict, with
billions redirected from public services to military budgets. Such statements effectively close off diplomatic avenues, presenting war as the only solution, even as 97% of civilian casualties since February 2022 have been in Ukraine, a tragic toll conveniently omitted from the 'humanitarian intervention' rhetoric. It’s curious how the 'unimaginable' nature of peace often aligns neatly with the
strategic interests and profit margins of those who benefit most from war. The declaration of an adversary as 'irrational' or 'incapable of peace' is a powerful tool in the arsenal of empire, justifying endless expenditure and sidestepping accountability for the very conditions that lead to conflict. Watch for repeated calls for regime change, veiled as calls for peace, as the financial incentives