Today we are faced with the real possibility of World War Three, given the escalating conflict in Ukraine. It’s been a long time since we’ve had to worry about the possibility of nuclear war. Yet, this war and its repercussions have positioned the world in a precarious place over the last few months. We, as Americans, have a choice to either continue to let our leaders bumble their way into a disaster or demand authentic leadership to rein in the current conflict. The key to righting the boat of political instability is for us to remember our humanity.
Embrace our Common Humanity
What exactly does humanity mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines humanity in two ways. First, it is the quality or state of being human (i.e., joined together by our common humanity). Secondly, humanity means being compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition (the quality of state of being humane). America has a moral obligation to shine a light on the deception and deceit that has driven the decisions leading the world into this current crisis and to use our influence to ease the conflict.
Current Situation
Here are the facts that led to our current situation. While you may not agree with all of them, they capture the essence of the conflict.
- NATO and the West have strived to increase their influence in Eastern Europe over the last ten years.
- Russia has resisted this expansion and drawn a line in the sand regarding NATO’s expansion into Ukraine.
- Russia has illegally taken over large areas of eastern Ukraine to create a buffer from the West.
- A nation, possibly the United States, has bombed the Nord Stream pipelines making it impossible for Germany and other European nations to purchase natural gas from Russia in the short term.
- America has sent billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine.
- Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons in its escalating conflict with Ukraine.
Russia Versus America
The current conflict is, in essence, between Russia and the United States. America has funded the war by sending a steady flow of weapons and money to Ukraine. While we have not lost lives to date, Americans have paid a high price for this action. Our economy suffers from high inflation, and gas prices are through the roof, making us all poorer. And now, if Russia uses nuclear weapons, millions may lose their lives while the world economy tumbles into oblivion. Furthermore, if America responds the way they’ve articulated in recent days (by bombing Russia’s conventional weapons and ships), we most likely will see the beginning of World War Three.
America Must Act Now to Avoid World War Three
It’s time for America to act.
- First, we can stop the war by pushing for a negotiated settlement. America must put aside its interest in regime change in Russia. While this strategy may have merits, the cost is too high.
- Second, negotiation means addressing the needs of both parties. Ukraine must have sovereignty, and Russia must have the West’s commitment not to militarize Ukraine (no NATO in Ukraine).
- Third, all major world powers must support the peace effort, including the United States, China, European Union, and India.
- And finally, we must act now. Every week that passes brings us closer to a World War Three catastrophe.
Stop the Blame Game
It’s easy to point fingers and blame one actor or another for the current conflict. Some blame the war on Putin, saying he’s power-hungry and crazy. Others feel America is poking the bear as a way of feeding hundreds of billions of dollars into the military-industrial complex. But no matter the cause, humanity requires us to put aside blame and focus on peace. We all share a common humanity, which requires us to embrace compassionate, sympathetic, and generous behavior. Compromise means giving up what you want and being willing to accept what you can tolerate – all for the greater good. Russia, Ukraine, and America need to embrace their humanity right now, and the rest of the world needs to support them.
Peace Within Our Grasp
As humans, we all answer to a higher authority. For many, that authority is God. In life, there are times for war and times for peace. Now is the time for all of us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall inherit the world.” -Matthew 5:9
Our world is fragile. A nuclear confrontation in 2022 could easily lead to World War Three, triggering economic collapse affecting billions of people and millions of deaths. We can not sit quietly while our political leaders march us into this calamity. Therefore, we should pressure Congress and the President to turn away from provocation and war. America must put all of its efforts into seeking peace. We are precariously close to disinheriting the world as we know it.
Reference: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity
Focus Keyphrase: World War Three
Photo by Porapak Apichodilok: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-world-globe-facing-mountain-346885/
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