The piece examines the complex motivations behind wars involving the United States, emphasizing the importance of understanding objectives and potential gains. It discusses historical context, the role of public perception, and the influence of the military-industrial complex, especially in democratic societies where clarity of purpose is crucial for sustaining support.
The January 3 event signifies a shift in global warfare, emphasizing non-traditional methods of control over direct military intervention. The U.S. approach to Venezuela illustrates this “invasion without invaders” model, where geopolitical influence is exerted through advanced technology and manipulation of financial flows, rather than conventional occupation or conflict.
The power of weapons is evident. A country that spends nearly $200 billion annually on defense, invests around $200 million daily, and, at least in theoretical terms, has the best army in the world, should be able to impose its will. Both the United States and Russia boast cutting-edge armed forces, but recent experience has shown that theoretical superiority does not guarantee victory.
Luis Rubio Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) says, “the True University of these days is a collection of books.” Here is my best attempt to share some of the readings that impacted me the most this year. Two emblematic dictators-Stalin and Hitler- were allies at the beginning …