The West and war. The risks not to be taken

In recent weeks, the word "war" has begun to circulate with a different scope than we have been accustomed to since February 24, 2022.It is no longer just the conflict triggered by Russian aggression against Ukraine, but it is the real risk that there may be more to Putin's plans than that. One cannot explain otherwise the concerns expressed recently by the leaders of Europe's two main powers, Macron and Scholz, which add to a series of warning signals that the United Kingdom has been sounding for some time and a growing concern especially from Poland and the Baltic Republics.

Therefore, it is not a case of underestimating the hypothetical scenario that may be unfolding.

The predictable reappointment to the Kremlin's top job has given Putin a strong push to raise the bar. It is not just propaganda. History teaches that the worst mistake one can make is not to take seriously the threats and plans of characters who have proven to be willing to do anything.

Much of what Hitler did was amply written in 1925 black on white in his work Mein Kampf .But the world at the time underestimated and continued to gloss over even when Hitler 13 years later made the first move by invading Czechoslovakia under the guise of having to protect the Sudetenland. The Munich Pact that followed was the green light for the German dictator to unleash World War II.

History is likely to repeat itself in different forms. Putin's expansionist aims have never been a mystery. His determination to carry out his plans is evident to all. Attempts to dialogue with him have been to no avail. Macron knows something about this, who has tried everything to keep a channel of communication open with the Kremlin leader and induce him to better counsel. Zero result.

The West has no intention of starting a World War III, but neither is it willing to have to endure it. Those who want to avoid a world conflict today should remember Sun Tzu's maxim: "The best way to be certain of winning a war is to secure victory before even starting to fight."

This should be the course that European countries, the United Kingdom and the United States should follow to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. That is why every option should be evaluated and every action taken to avert a large-scale conflict. The heads of state and government should reflect and assume their responsibilities. Endless discussion makes no sense. Consistent and effective decisions must be taken.

*Published on the Discussion