It has become fashionable to declare that Europe has never been more exposed to the risk of a major armed conflict since the end of World War II. This claim, frequently echoed in political and economic circles, feeds on a genuinely troubled global landscape.
The war in Ukraine, the escalating tensions between China and the United States, and an increasingly perilous Middle East stoke an alarmist rhetoric. However, the uniformity of the responses proposed by our elites reveals a troubling short-sightedness and a lack of long-term vision.
For most mainstream economists, the solution seems clear: we must quickly allocate much greater resources to national defense. The only answer, in their view, is to buy more weapons, increase the number of soldiers, and bolster our military apparatus. This obsession with military power merely reflects a superficial and reductive understanding of the real security issues.
The notion that only force and military preparedness can guarantee our safety is not only simplistic but also ignores the deep-rooted causes of instability. Rising social inequalities, a sense of injustice and marginalization, the climate crisis, and the lack of prospects for many citizens are ticking time bombs that threaten our social peace and stability just as much.
Investing in social justice, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting peaceful governance are responses that should be evident. Yet, these strategies are never at the forefront of dominant discourse. The resources allocated to education, health, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of equal opportunities should always remain a priority over the astronomical sums claimed for military expenditure.
For many economic leaders, military power, the protection of the wealthy's property, and a comfortable place within organized inequality are all that matter. This vision, deeply rooted in a logic of protecting acquired privileges, ignores the imperatives of a just and equitable society. A Europe preparing for war without addressing the conditions of its internal peace is a Europe heading towards disaster.
History teaches us that the most stable and resilient societies are not those that invest the most in arms, but those that invest in their citizens. It is urgent to redefine our priorities. Rather than succumbing to fear and locking ourselves into a logic of confrontation, let us open our eyes to the real challenges of our time. Social justice, inclusion, and environmental protection are the true pillars of lasting security.
Our leaders must understand that peace is not built with tanks and guns, but with policies that strengthen social cohesion and provide everyone with a place and a future in our society. The time is no longer for military escalation but for building a Europe strong in its values, its solidarity, and its capacity to offer everyone a dignified and secure life.
Let us wake up before it is too late. Investing in social peace is not only an act of justice but also the best guarantee of our common security. A Europe of equality and justice will always be stronger than a Europe of fear and arms.
