NATO’s Chief Demonstrates His Own Incapabilities
.jpeg)
NATO’s Chief Demonstrates His Own Incapabilities
Most people in the West and nearly all the mainstream media share their preferred narrative of the Ukraine war. It’s a conflict between Russia, an aggressor existentially committed to aggression and an unsuspecting victim, Ukraine, whose sovereignty was violated without provocation. An alternative narrative, far less popular but impossible to dismiss entirely, states that this has from the start been a proxy war between the United States and Russia. It has served simply to prolong a state of affairs known as the Cold War, that in appearance was paused with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the final decade of the 20th century.
How politicians and journalists account for the relationship between the principal actors — first of all, Ukraine and Russia, but also NATO, the US and the European Union — depends on the individual’s preference for a certain style of standard narrative. One option is the David and Goliath template. This one is complicated by the fact that David (Ukraine) recruited Godzilla (the US and NATO) to join the battle, unless — given the obvious presence of Godzilla — one prefers to think of this as Godzilla vs. King Kong (Russia), with Ukraine simply playing the role of a Hollywood extra squashed by the massive foot of one or the other adversaries.
Another option is Rudyard Kipling’s “East is East and West is West,” where “two strong men stand face to face, tho’ they come from the ends of the earth!” That narrative is a recipe for yet another forever war.
Given the fatigue associated with rooting for one side or the other in the unresolvable conflict, Kipling may already have won the day, which explains why Trump’s 24 hours are long past. The language of the strong man of the West (NATO) seems to bear that out. Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s leading online newspaper reported this recent assessment by Mark Rutte, NATO’s general secretary, of the nature of the Russian threat.
“Rutte believes that Moscow’s current capabilities in space are outdated and not on par with the West: ‘Developing nuclear weapons in space is, therefore, a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is a matter of great concern’.”
Today’s Weekly Devil’s Dictionary definition:
Capabilities:
A term used to qualify the level of threat posed by a rival or adversary, which will be systematically underestimated when the purpose of the political rhetoric is to signal the opportunity to prepare for confrontation and overestimated when the purpose is to instill fear, justifying mobilization.
Contextual note
The key idea Rutte is putting forward is contained in the phrase “a matter of great concern.” His logic, or lack thereof, derives from the ambiguity of the meaning of “capabilities.” One should always seek to understand reality and will be justified in feeling concerned about what it turns out to be. In other words, reality, when it proves to be threatening, is a matter of great concern. In that sense, awareness of existing power and capacity to inflict damage on the part of someone one does not trust can always be a matter of great concern.
But capabilities can also suggest some future potential, even though, especially in military parlance, it doesn’t literally mean that. Being capable of developing capabilities is simply not the same thing as possessing capabilities.
So, what is Rutte saying here? First, he proudly asserts that NATO is strong because Russia is weak, given that its “current capabilities in space are outdated.” That should sound reassuring. If he can say Russia’s capabilities are outdated it implies that NATO’s own are up to date. Just as in Zeno’s intriguing (but specious) paradox of Achilles racing a tortoise that was given a significant head start, because Achilles possesses the capability of speed, which the tortoise clearly lacks, it doesn’t matter how many times we divide the diminishing distance between the trailing athlete and the advancing tortoise, Achilles knows he will overtake his competitor and win the race.
Rutte wants us to believe Russia is weak so that NATO, in the role of Achilles, can believe in its strength and speed. Fortified by that knowledge we can boldly plot our course to win the race, confident that we will win. But then Rutte hits a serious snag. If we believe
Russia is weak, NATO needn’t spend money to tool up or even have a reason to exist.
To overcome his equally specious paradox, Rutte feels obliged to evoke a future in which Russia may become strong. “We’re aware of reports that Russia is exploring the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in space.” Does the word “capabilities” have the same meaning, or indeed any meaning when evoking “a future” when Russia “may become strong?”
In short, “capabilities” is a word Humpty Dumpty would undoubtedly cherish, as Lewis Carroll indicates in this quote from his conversation with Alice: “‘When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.’” For Rutte, Russia’s real capabilities are weak but its imagined capabilities in the future may perchance be worryingly strong. Any rational person would deem the semantic ambiguity of the NATO chief’s reasoning “a matter of great concern.”
Historical note
NATO was born just over 75 years ago, in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Whether its historical justification was clearly reasoned or not, its creation responded to two perceived goals. The first was to provide a structure that might prevent European nations from behaving in the irresponsible manner that had led to two devastating World Wars. If the stronger nations of Europe could be united militarily and take orders from the strongest nation of all, on the opposite side of the Atlantic, they would find it difficult to go to war amongst themselves.
The second reason was both ideological and financial. It was the fear and loathing of communism. This became the obsessive theme emanating from the US and the United Kingdom. The dominant Anglo-Saxon cultures proved to be exceptional among the concert of nations in one important respect: The sense of identity, as promoted by the governing elite, grew far more significantly from their economic ideology than from their cultural, religious and linguistic traditions. Their leaders suspected the vulnerability of their hyper-competitive ideology that could potentially alienate the subservient castes, including the middle class. They lived in permanent fear of an assault on the undefined but fully functioning system called capitalism, whose architecture and operating manual had been designed and distilled out of the experience of four centuries of European colonialism.
Comments
You must be logged in to comment.
Latest Articals
-
Why 123FAZ Is Gaining Popularity Among Online Users
In an era where digital platforms compete fiercely for attention, only a few manage to stand out and build a loyal user base. One platform that is quickly attracting interest from online communities is 123FAZ. Its growing recognition is not accidental; rather, it is the result of thoughtful design, reliable performance, and a focus on user needs. As more people look for efficient and easy-to-use online solutions, 123FAZ is emerging as a preferred choice.This article explores the key reasons why 123FAZ is gaining popularity among online users and what makes it different from many other platforms available today.A Simple and User-Friendly ExperienceOne of the primary reasons behind the rise of 123FAZ is its simplicity. Many online platforms overwhelm users with complex interfaces and confusing navigation. In contrast, 123FAZ offers a clean, intuitive layout that allows users to understand how to use it almost instantly.From the moment users log in, they...
-
Halo Hair Extensions: The Invisible Secret to Effortless Length and Volume
If you crave longer, fuller, more luxurious hair without clips, glue, or salon drama, halo hair extensions are the ultimate beauty breakthrough. These extensions are designed for people who want instant transformation while keeping their natural hair safe, healthy, and stress-free.Unlike traditional extensions that pull on your roots or require professional installation, halo extensions sit gently on your head using a nearly invisible wire. The result is a seamless blend that looks incredibly natural—like your hair simply leveled up overnight.What Are Halo Hair Extensions?Halo hair extensions are a one-piece weft of hair attached to a clear, adjustable wire that rests on your head like a crown. Your natural hair falls over the wire, covering it completely, creating an undetectable finish.They are perfect for beginners because you don’t need styling skills to apply them. You simply place the wire on your head, position the hair weft at the back, and blend...
-
.jpg)
Trusted Home Care Services Calgary Families Rely On
Finding reliable and compassionate home care for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether it’s support for aging parents, recovery after surgery, or extra help for daily living, choosing the right provider makes all the difference. At Compassionate Caring, we proudly offer home care services in Calgary designed to support seniors and families with dignity, respect, and genuine compassion.Why Home Care Services in Calgary MatterAs Calgary continues to grow, so does the need for personalized and flexible care solutions. Many seniors prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than move into long-term care facilities. Home care services Calgary families trust make this possible by providing professional assistance while allowing individuals to maintain independence and familiarity.From companionship to personal care, in-home services reduce stress for families and enhance quality of life for seniors. With tailored care plans and trained...
-
Free Digital Business Listing for Black Owned Brands
In today’s digital age, building an online presence is essential for any business. For Black-owned brands, a free business listing can serve as a powerful tool for visibility and customer engagement. These listings provide a platform for businesses to showcase their products, services, and unique identity to a wider audience. Moreover, business directory submission for Black-owned businesses can significantly increase their chances of success in an increasingly competitive market. Whether you're a startup or an established brand, leveraging digital tools like business directories is a smart strategy for growth.The Power of Free Digital Business ListingsFor Black-owned businesses, gaining visibility in the crowded online marketplace can be a challenge. Many entrepreneurs face the issue of limited resources to spend on advertising and digital marketing strategies. This is where free business listings can make a difference. By submitting your business information to free digital directories, you position your brand in front of...
-
.jpg)
Lines of Credit for Small Business: A Smart Funding Guide
Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face, especially in today’s fast-moving economy. Whether you’re managing cash flow, investing in growth, or preparing for unexpected expenses, understanding your financing options is critical. Among the most flexible tools available today are lines of credit for small business, a solution that gives owners control, speed, and financial breathing room.This guide to business finance will walk you through how business lines of credit work, how they compare to other funding options, and how platforms like Fluid Capital are changing the way entrepreneurs access fluid business resources.What Are Lines of Credit for Small Business?A business line of credit is a flexible financing option that allows you to borrow up to a set limit and pay interest only on what you use. Unlike traditional loans, you don’t receive a lump sum upfront. Instead, you draw funds as needed, repay them, and reuse...
-
Jet Bridge Market Analysis: Trends, Forecast, and Growth Opportunities
The Global Jet Bridge Market, also known as the passenger boarding bridge or aerobridges market, is experiencing steady expansion as air travel continues its post-pandemic recovery and airport infrastructure modernization accelerates worldwide. According to market analysis by The Insight Partners, this essential component of airport ground support equipment is witnessing increased demand driven by rising passenger traffic, airport expansion projects, and a growing emphasis on passenger convenience and safety.Market Overview and SignificanceJet bridges serve as critical infrastructure connecting airport terminals to aircraft, allowing passengers to board and disembark safely and comfortably without exposure to weather elements or ground-level hazards. These elevated, movable connectors have become standard equipment at major airports globally, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience. The market encompasses various types including apron drive bridges, commuter bridges, nose-loader bridges, and over-the-wing bridges, each designed for specific aircraft types and airport configurations.Figure out what’s there in this deal| Get a...