Andrew L. Urban
It is said that you can’t reason people out of a position which they didn’t reason themselves into. And that seems to apply (not only to family and friends but also) to dictators, ideology-driven regimes and Islamist terrorists. Of course, I am referring to Vladimir Putin and his own history-informed imperial vision for a Russian Ukraine, Iran’s primitive theocratic rulers and to terrorists everywhere (yes you, scumbags).
The world has watched as ‘negotiations’ with this cohort, negotiations all based on Western notions of informed reason, keep falling down and turning into ever-extending pizza cheese.
What is disturbingly curious is why senior politicians, who ought to be aware of this gulf between rational and irrational geopolitical actors, seem oblivious to it – judging by their actions and reactions.
They sit across negotiating tables as equals. Yet they are not on the same psychological level.
The world is now facing the long term consequences of this jarring disconnect between the parties of enlightened western culture and twisted irrational cultures. Led by the hand by those who should know better.
OK smartiepants, how should they negotiate, I hear you ask.
They shouldn’t. Lay down your demands and in case of refusal, take back what has been taken from you. Agreements are worthless:
eg 1994 Budapest Memorandum protecting Ukraine‘s sovereignty, agreed by the US, UK – and Russia;
eg Gaza ceasefire and disarmament;
eg Iran‘s multiple fake negotiations
Yes, a military response is the response most likely to succeed, in phases/stages if relevant. Call me a peace-loving warmonger, if you like, but what else offers an alternative to death by a thousand cuts as we witness now.