The Thucydides Trap suggests that wars often occur even when no party explicitly seeks them; instead, conflict emerges from evolving geopolitical dynamics, but can this be applied today?
Thank you, AP, for an interesting and educational post. As I have acquired a heavy cold and am feeling even more dopey than usual, I’ll try to respond but briefly.
Not being overly impressed by our Establishment, I would think they are hurtling towards any and all traps, including the Thucydides one. We shall see when we reach the bottom.
I love China’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. I just wish they had been evident when enduring the monomania of their Maoist period, as they occupied Tibet. Now, by contrast with the declining and deficient West, the Chinese appear pragmatic, competent, and civilised.
The cultural qualities developed from rice and wheat growers were fascinating – thank you. I want to make remarks about us Brits having to resort to hunter-gathering, but with little to hunt or gather, but instead, I have to mention the yearly pantomime of Davos. What an offensive, comedic performance! A Greek tragedy – with Hubris and Nemesis taking notes and waiting in the wings!
Lots more to comment on, but I have the body of a weak and feeble woman! Nevertheless, I can wish you and yours a marvellous week, AP. xxx
Thank you so much Zara, my faithful follower! I try to impart some understanding of the way others see their world, built from many subconscious cultural influences, and left unchallenged until faced with another holding alien views. In the West we see these 'others' as a threat and thus fear dominates the reaction, often violently. I see this clearly in Britain with the example of soccer hooligans going wild at home and abroad - some background: https://www.britannica.com/sports/football-soccer/Spectator-problems
In China, their typical approach was education. China's modernisation (1979-1996) involved a complex moral dimension intertwined with state control. The Strike Hard Campaign (1983) targeted hooligan gangs, leading to mass arrests and legal reforms. There is a world of difference in how such social problems are handled and is merely one example to consider.
I wish you an early and effective recovery, my dear, so take it easy for now.
Peter,
Thank you for your usual exceptional insight!
Thank you so much Steve for your kind words which mean so much to encourage my scribbles.
Best wishes
Peter
Thank you, AP, for an interesting and educational post. As I have acquired a heavy cold and am feeling even more dopey than usual, I’ll try to respond but briefly.
Not being overly impressed by our Establishment, I would think they are hurtling towards any and all traps, including the Thucydides one. We shall see when we reach the bottom.
I love China’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. I just wish they had been evident when enduring the monomania of their Maoist period, as they occupied Tibet. Now, by contrast with the declining and deficient West, the Chinese appear pragmatic, competent, and civilised.
The cultural qualities developed from rice and wheat growers were fascinating – thank you. I want to make remarks about us Brits having to resort to hunter-gathering, but with little to hunt or gather, but instead, I have to mention the yearly pantomime of Davos. What an offensive, comedic performance! A Greek tragedy – with Hubris and Nemesis taking notes and waiting in the wings!
Lots more to comment on, but I have the body of a weak and feeble woman! Nevertheless, I can wish you and yours a marvellous week, AP. xxx
Thank you so much Zara, my faithful follower! I try to impart some understanding of the way others see their world, built from many subconscious cultural influences, and left unchallenged until faced with another holding alien views. In the West we see these 'others' as a threat and thus fear dominates the reaction, often violently. I see this clearly in Britain with the example of soccer hooligans going wild at home and abroad - some background: https://www.britannica.com/sports/football-soccer/Spectator-problems
In China, their typical approach was education. China's modernisation (1979-1996) involved a complex moral dimension intertwined with state control. The Strike Hard Campaign (1983) targeted hooligan gangs, leading to mass arrests and legal reforms. There is a world of difference in how such social problems are handled and is merely one example to consider.
I wish you an early and effective recovery, my dear, so take it easy for now.
Blessings
AP xxx
Thank you so much, AP.
I shall read and learn.
xxxx
:-) xxx