A well-worn quote reported by A.P. Berlin bureau chief, Louis Lochner, from a speech given by Hitler to his military generals before the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland rhetorically asked, “Who today, after all, remembers the annihilation of the Armenians?” Hitler was inspired by the fact that the Ottoman Turks got away with genocide. The Nazis were emboldened by the general public's lack of interest in history. In the US, like in Turkey and many places around the world, history is altered and propagandized to advantage the powers that be. There are so many cautionary tales for the US public, if only people are willing to open their minds.
And just because we win an election, there’s no telling where these guys will go to consolidate power. Do we have a plan to manage the chaos they’ll drive? The chaos they’re telling us, they’ll drive?! A former prosecutor for President, and VP (as a number of Kamala’s potential picks are) might be the only way to ‘keep our Republic’… Alex’s references are much more chilling in the face of how much more power they have garnered, and how much further they’ve pushed the limits to secure their capacity to implement their agenda at all cost. We have to face now, that any compromise might not be an option…😖🤯
In sports, it is commendable to continue playing by the rules when the other team cheats. Politics in the US looks like this these days. But I wonder at what point fair play is no longer possible, perhaps when the other side announces that the agreed-upon rules will no longer be valid for the rest of the match once they win one game.
I know! It’s such a question! And sadly, the time for such a question. But we can only hope the prosecutors, and esp their political allies, are finally deeply thinking this chessboard through.
PS we are also aware and concerned for the entire 🌎 as consequences would be like international dominoes and that is a game we certainly do not wish to start.
Thank you for your expert reminder of past strongmen and autocratic movements that led to war in what seemed a heartbeat. We are aware and holding onto the threads of our Republic “ if we can keep it.” We will soon know but recovery if we escape defeat denies catastrophic description. 🕊️
A great column, Alex! The sentence that got my attention was, ‘when chaos reigns fascism thrives’. That started me on your path through history. Extremely well-written and a reminder that history shouldn’t repeat itself (unless it’s a Beethoven or Mozart🎶)
Thank you for calling our attention once again to the atrocities of the past. We certainly don’t want them repeated here in November.
The principle of democracy goes without saying for many of us so as not to fall “on the dark side of force”.
Many of our generation still remember this painful past.
A memory maintained regularly in many countries, to never forget and to raise awareness among young people of these major risks.
These young generations - who will be the majority in the near future - have already been directly exposed to numerous crises and shocks and are therefore already very vulnerable: the climate crisis which is so difficult to stem, the ongoing economic crises, delinquency and crime, companies that outsource leaving room for unemployment...
France recently narrowly avoided the takeover of power by the far right (as well as a notable breakthrough by the far left...).
This is a strong signal that should not be forgotten because the younger generations have clearly expressed their disappointment and criticism of the policies put in place.
In the current state of things, our democracy does not seem, for many of them, to be able to bring them security, hope for the future... they expressed their fears.
Let us ask ourselves what their future beliefs will be for all these young new voters who will have grown up in an environment of shocks and crises?
The responsibility of our governments is great: to act to restore confidence in the future and in democracy.
And also adapt the school and education system in order to transmit and maintain the memory of the past.
Thank you, Danièle. France was an example of how the populist extreme right can be stopped. Hopefully, Biden will also be remembered for giving up his chances for a second run by making room for the next generation; solidarity helps in challenging times.
Thanks Alex for this very interesting article... A detailed analysis 👌👌 History shows it, demonstrates it, everything can change very quickly and the point of no return can be reached.
In these chaotic times, extreme vigilance is required ….
Thanks, Alexander, for your very relevant and critical history lesson. I feel (fear) we are very close to tipping points on a number of issues such as “western” democracy and human-influenced climate change. Your succinct summary of the past coupled with the benefit of experience from your years as a diplomat are so valued.
Your reference to the possibilities of “win-win” outcomes gave me a wry smile. I spent many years negotiating with partners and competitors on work programs and commercial contracts. As an empathetic human, I was always trying to search for the sweet spot in a deal that could be labeled as a win-win, but the hard reality when taking the compromise deal back to my leadership team for endorsement was that it always had to be presented as why our part of the deal was the “winner”. Human nature …? I still choose to believe in solutions that lead to better outcomes for the majority of people, places or things, regardless of their affiliation, and remain hopeful we can make some progress towards a “democracy” that practices such an ethic.
I share your beliefs, Mike. Interestingly, to stay on the topic of US politics (which I believe I didn't mention once in the article, but somehow everyone read it through that lens ;-) President Biden is an interesting example of a win-win solution creator. First as a senator, but even during his presidency. Another contrast with the remaining old white man in the race.
You write :“Yet, if you recognize the failings of historical leaders in the behavior of present-day leaders, it's better to gradually raise awareness because if you suddenly become alarmed, it likely means it's too late.“
That’s a pessimistic but very realistic statement. It concerns us all. In our way of being and in our daily behavior towards or with others.
And what I liked and gave me a smile was the mention of a win-win situation, where there is not one winner and one loser but two beneficiaries! The compromise agreement of two opposed parties .
And that is the part Trump has never understood in his entire career. He operates like there is one limited pile of money that should all end up on his desk, but politics is a different game where you can win by compromising, listening, negotiating, and even being kind to others.
A skillful history told with the mastery I have come to expect from your adept writing. The parallels are evident as you have illustrated in this well compiled piece. Important history reminding us of what’s important now and was then.
How sad that those who should acquaint themselves with history are mostly ignorant or ambivalent about the lessons to be learned from horrors of the past.
Thank you for this bellwether article with all the red flags to warn of disaster.
What a much needed history lesson! While I was a aware of most of the parallels, you highlighting them in this way sent shivers down my spine. This is scary!
Brilliant telling of history and perfect warning. Will we heed?
A well-worn quote reported by A.P. Berlin bureau chief, Louis Lochner, from a speech given by Hitler to his military generals before the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland rhetorically asked, “Who today, after all, remembers the annihilation of the Armenians?” Hitler was inspired by the fact that the Ottoman Turks got away with genocide. The Nazis were emboldened by the general public's lack of interest in history. In the US, like in Turkey and many places around the world, history is altered and propagandized to advantage the powers that be. There are so many cautionary tales for the US public, if only people are willing to open their minds.
Which is another good reason always to commemorate genocides.
And just because we win an election, there’s no telling where these guys will go to consolidate power. Do we have a plan to manage the chaos they’ll drive? The chaos they’re telling us, they’ll drive?! A former prosecutor for President, and VP (as a number of Kamala’s potential picks are) might be the only way to ‘keep our Republic’… Alex’s references are much more chilling in the face of how much more power they have garnered, and how much further they’ve pushed the limits to secure their capacity to implement their agenda at all cost. We have to face now, that any compromise might not be an option…😖🤯
In sports, it is commendable to continue playing by the rules when the other team cheats. Politics in the US looks like this these days. But I wonder at what point fair play is no longer possible, perhaps when the other side announces that the agreed-upon rules will no longer be valid for the rest of the match once they win one game.
I know! It’s such a question! And sadly, the time for such a question. But we can only hope the prosecutors, and esp their political allies, are finally deeply thinking this chessboard through.
PS we are also aware and concerned for the entire 🌎 as consequences would be like international dominoes and that is a game we certainly do not wish to start.
Thank you for your expert reminder of past strongmen and autocratic movements that led to war in what seemed a heartbeat. We are aware and holding onto the threads of our Republic “ if we can keep it.” We will soon know but recovery if we escape defeat denies catastrophic description. 🕊️
A great column, Alex! The sentence that got my attention was, ‘when chaos reigns fascism thrives’. That started me on your path through history. Extremely well-written and a reminder that history shouldn’t repeat itself (unless it’s a Beethoven or Mozart🎶)
Thank you for calling our attention once again to the atrocities of the past. We certainly don’t want them repeated here in November.
Thank you, Anne. The world watches the US in November.
Thank you, Alex, this is brilliant.
You’ve given a comprehensive history lesson as well as how history reflects on the present.
It’s exactly what we need to be reminded of and how we must react.
You have said everything and done it perfectly.
I have nothing to add to your excellent work. Well, done 🙏
Thank you, Lizzie
The principle of democracy goes without saying for many of us so as not to fall “on the dark side of force”.
Many of our generation still remember this painful past.
A memory maintained regularly in many countries, to never forget and to raise awareness among young people of these major risks.
These young generations - who will be the majority in the near future - have already been directly exposed to numerous crises and shocks and are therefore already very vulnerable: the climate crisis which is so difficult to stem, the ongoing economic crises, delinquency and crime, companies that outsource leaving room for unemployment...
France recently narrowly avoided the takeover of power by the far right (as well as a notable breakthrough by the far left...).
This is a strong signal that should not be forgotten because the younger generations have clearly expressed their disappointment and criticism of the policies put in place.
In the current state of things, our democracy does not seem, for many of them, to be able to bring them security, hope for the future... they expressed their fears.
Let us ask ourselves what their future beliefs will be for all these young new voters who will have grown up in an environment of shocks and crises?
The responsibility of our governments is great: to act to restore confidence in the future and in democracy.
And also adapt the school and education system in order to transmit and maintain the memory of the past.
Thank you, Danièle. France was an example of how the populist extreme right can be stopped. Hopefully, Biden will also be remembered for giving up his chances for a second run by making room for the next generation; solidarity helps in challenging times.
Yes…memories and solidarity
are essential ! 🙏🙏
Thanks Alex for this very interesting article... A detailed analysis 👌👌 History shows it, demonstrates it, everything can change very quickly and the point of no return can be reached.
In these chaotic times, extreme vigilance is required ….
As always you’ve written amazing, poignant words of wisdom. Thank you!
Thank you, Clarisse :-)
Thanks, Alexander, for your very relevant and critical history lesson. I feel (fear) we are very close to tipping points on a number of issues such as “western” democracy and human-influenced climate change. Your succinct summary of the past coupled with the benefit of experience from your years as a diplomat are so valued.
Your reference to the possibilities of “win-win” outcomes gave me a wry smile. I spent many years negotiating with partners and competitors on work programs and commercial contracts. As an empathetic human, I was always trying to search for the sweet spot in a deal that could be labeled as a win-win, but the hard reality when taking the compromise deal back to my leadership team for endorsement was that it always had to be presented as why our part of the deal was the “winner”. Human nature …? I still choose to believe in solutions that lead to better outcomes for the majority of people, places or things, regardless of their affiliation, and remain hopeful we can make some progress towards a “democracy” that practices such an ethic.
I share your beliefs, Mike. Interestingly, to stay on the topic of US politics (which I believe I didn't mention once in the article, but somehow everyone read it through that lens ;-) President Biden is an interesting example of a win-win solution creator. First as a senator, but even during his presidency. Another contrast with the remaining old white man in the race.
You write :“Yet, if you recognize the failings of historical leaders in the behavior of present-day leaders, it's better to gradually raise awareness because if you suddenly become alarmed, it likely means it's too late.“
That’s a pessimistic but very realistic statement. It concerns us all. In our way of being and in our daily behavior towards or with others.
And what I liked and gave me a smile was the mention of a win-win situation, where there is not one winner and one loser but two beneficiaries! The compromise agreement of two opposed parties .
And that is the part Trump has never understood in his entire career. He operates like there is one limited pile of money that should all end up on his desk, but politics is a different game where you can win by compromising, listening, negotiating, and even being kind to others.
A skillful history told with the mastery I have come to expect from your adept writing. The parallels are evident as you have illustrated in this well compiled piece. Important history reminding us of what’s important now and was then.
How sad that those who should acquaint themselves with history are mostly ignorant or ambivalent about the lessons to be learned from horrors of the past.
Thank you for this bellwether article with all the red flags to warn of disaster.
Thank you, Lucy
Always chords of Incomplete Symphonies.
Like Beethoven's No. 10, triggering endless speculation on the end of the Unvollendete.
What a much needed history lesson! While I was a aware of most of the parallels, you highlighting them in this way sent shivers down my spine. This is scary!
yes, we live in scary times for many reasons. The MAGA cult and it's aged leader is just one of the scary developments I fear.