Munich Security Conference addresses root causes of world's troubles
- By Wang Yiwei
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E-mail CNTV, February 18, 2016
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Over the past five decades, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) has become the major global forum for the discussion of security policy. |
Turbulence, turmoil and uncertainty are three words that were repeatedly heard at the 52th Munich Security Conference (MSC). At the opening ceremony, the MSC chairman announced some good and bad news.
The good news was that the conference room was more crowded, but the bad news was that we were living in an age of fear. The world is more fearful of the Syrian refugees influx, Islamist terrorist attacks, populism, nationalism, extremism, as well as difficulties over European integration.
German representatives including the nation's Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, experts and media had only focused on the refugee crisis. The French side spoke about terrorism and Jihad Islamic extremism.
In the second day of MSC, there were debates between the premiers and foreign ministers discussing Russia, Ukraine and Syria. The world remains mired in constant troubles, but what are the root causes?
Headlock of sense and sensibility
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev reviewed Cold War history and said Moscow had gotten involved in Syria and Ukraine, but had no intention to challenge European order.
States should get along with each other in accordance with equality and respect. Aggressive Western countries were creating new Cold War problems, which stand as the root cause for a turbulent world.
Yet, most Westerners did not agree with Medvedev. They claimed some countries were held back due to populism and nationalism. When Europe had sought a compromise with Moscow, Ukraine President Viktoy Poroshenko said Russian President Vladimir Putin was splitting Europe apart.
He insisted, it was dangerous to make a deal with Russia, since he believes Russia violates European values. He refuses to forgive Russia. Kiev supports the European Union and unity of Europe. Hence, Europe has become emotionally blackmailed by Ukraine.
So was the same in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Baltic Sea States and Eastern European countries were often dragged by the US and NATO into endless confrontations against Russia.
If Europe cannot get rid of the entanglement between sense and sensibility, there can be no deep reflections to implement effective strategies.
Due to traditional forces and media's influence, the introspection of elites just relies on superficial political correctness, as attendees had spoken "correct nonsense" at the MSC.
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