What war are you really fighting?
By Avani Jindal (H/240, PreSC-B) Wednesday, Sep 01, 2021
Technology has always been intertwined with warfare, as it has been used to produce better tools for military use. However, the French revolution ushered in rapid advancements in the science of war. Therefore, the face of war changed enormously. European nations were the first to capitalize on these innovations, as they waged wars with each other and spread their might far and wide by subjugating nations. We are well aware of the adage that” war is won only by breaking an enemy’s morale and their will to resist.” The use of superior technology in warfare implies that battles are won on the dint of “shock and awe.” The consequence being the brutal killing of numerous innocents, destruction of land, disturbance of mental and psychological health, decline in the productivity of crops, displacement of residents, and disruption in the economic development of nations.
Majority of the countries have signed treaties with the objective to outline conditions for permanent resolution of hostilities between warring parties. These treaties assist in the prohibition of warfare for instance, the Geneva Protocol (1925), Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons Convention (1975), The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions and investment of significant resources, treaties barely ever lead to consolidated peace as mankind continues to resort to violence, and mass destruction. However, are the Kivu conflict, Libyan Crisis, Mali War the only instances of wars that the human race is fighting currently?
More often than not, Individuals tend to overlook the wars that are fought in the daily grind of life. Sticks and stones may break the bones, but painful words and actions leave behind scars that are indelible.The wars that are the fiercest are the ones where we replace love and compassion with malice and resentment, serenity and empathy with violence and cruelty, honesty with corruption. There are those times when jealousy consumes the gullible mind and controls it with a force that is so overwhelming, that it does irreparable damage to others. Let us recall those times when we are ready to see someone sink in heavy debts and experience losses merely for our gain. As I ponder why we cannot create the world with love, I recall Milton’s letter to Cromwell “peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.”
What about the most recent war that we are all battling; the Coronavirushas indeed triggered the fiercest human-virus war? Now is the time for solidarity as this is the battle that we need to win in unison. Of course the human race is trying its best to do so, for instance, Germany created a stimulus plan and ensured its immediate implementation. All citizens affected by COVID-19 have been given the provision to pay their rent by 2022, once an improvement in the condition is observed. The time span for the payment of taxes was extended to ensure the convenience of citizens. A large sum has also been allocated for the corporate to alleviate their suffering, for small business the government plans to pay 70% of the wages. 600 billion euros have been provided to those who own big businesses, so that they endure the pandemic without sinking deeper into debt. The German Govt expended 60% of their GDP to save the economy and this was done within weeks thereby, making it the fastest recovery plan in the world. NASA researchers have reported a decline in the nitrogen dioxide emissions by 20%, thanks to the stringent measures being initiated by world -governments, to stop the transmission of the virus. India has recorded a drop in deaths by road accidents by 20% post Covid-19, as populations remained confined to their homes.
On the other hand, just as conquest of wars cause untold sufferings, this human-virus war too has wrecked tremendous havoc. According to WHO, the second leading cause of death in the aftermath of the pandemic is suicide, particularly in the age group of 15-29 years. Furthermore, in January 2021, 41% of adults reported symptoms of depression and anxiety stemming from loss of jobs and income. What are the ways to surmount this crisis successfully? It’s mandatory to take out time for introspection and self-healing. It’s important to be updated with the measures that need to be taken to keep the virus at bay, whileavoidingdiscussion regarding its morbidities. Shouldn’t we not discard pessimistic thoughts and enjoy this bonus time to get some respite from the rat race? Time to do some soul-searching as we identify our strengths and work on our weaknesses. Time to be grateful for the little things in life, and count out the blessings. Let’s stand with those who are desolate and lonely, we are all in this together, and since nothing lasts forever, this too shall pass.
Avani Jindal (H/240, PreSC-B)
