July 11, 2012
Nationalism - One Of Two Major Threats To The Survival Of Humankind And Earth
How Syria Divided The World by Rober Ignatieff, The New York Review of Books, July 11, 2012
This NYRB essay highlights the points made below regarding the dangers of strategic nationalism, as currently practiced by the most powerful nations on Earth. The actions of the U.S., Russia, and China regarding Syria starkly exemplify nation-state competitive gamesmanship. The machinations of all three are impeding efforts to establish a global ethic and a pluralistic world governing body that puts the well-being of Humankind and the sustainability of the planet above the interests of nation-states.
While U.S. leadership sometimes behaves as if it supports a global morality and governing body, too often when push comes to shove it will do, sometimes quite forcibly, all that is necessary to serve its national interests first and foremost. As for Russian and Chinese leadership, they are never ambivalent about their respective positions. Both consistently opt for a winner take all strategy among competing nation-states in their pursuit of resources, markets, and global influence (political, historical, ideological). The needs of Humankind and the planet much less that of the Middle East the most volatile regions on earth, are seldom, if at all, the concern of Russian and Chinese leadership.
I'm reminded of the Parker Brothers-Hasbro "Risk" board game of the late 1950s, early 1960s. Fun for the parlor or family room but a heinous strategy when exercised throughout the increasingly fragile biosphere and accompanied by an inconsistent, neglible, or non-existent regard for human suffering.
If the Occupy Movement is looking to firm up its cause and message I recommend condemning the demotion of Humankind's and Earth's needs to the selfish, destruction desires of the powerful nation-states. Put Russia and China at the top of the target list followed by the U.S.
