Israel continues to attack Gaza, even though most parts of Gaza and nearby regions have been devastated by Israeli bombings over the past several months. Still, many people perceive Israel as a victim, given the brutal attack by Hamas, which invaded Israel, killed hundreds of Israeli citizens, and captured several hostages. Some of these hostages have died, while others remain in captivity.
In this case, Israel did not initiate the war but merely reacted to the violence unleashed by Hamas, widely viewed as an Islamic terrorist group, though Hamas claims to be a liberation force. Israel, therefore, is largely seen as acting in self-defense.
However, when it comes to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine—even after devastating large parts of Ukraine, destroying infrastructure, killing thousands of civilians, and displacing millions as refugees—the global perception differs markedly from how Israel’s actions are viewed.
In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia is clearly the aggressor, having initiated the war. Russia justified its invasion by claiming the need to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. However, NATO had not decided to admit Ukraine, and Ukraine had only made a request for membership. Many neighboring countries of Russia are already NATO members, yet Russia had raised no serious objection earlier. Clearly, Russia was looking for an excuse to attack Ukraine and occupy at least some of its regions. The apprehension about Ukraine joining NATO was merely a pretext.
Ukraine has been able to survive Russia’s brutal attacks so far, primarily due to the support extended by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, with Donald Trump set to return as the President of the USA, the situation appears to be changing. Trump has openly expressed support for Russia and has even suggested that Crimea should remain with Russia. In short, Trump seems to favor Ukraine surrendering to Russian aggression, allowing Russia to enjoy the fruits of its invasion.
It appears that Trump, too, subscribes to the idea that "might is right," much like Russia.
China’s aggression in Tibet is yet another glaring example of the belief that "might is right." China forcefully occupied Tibet decades ago, massacred thousands of protesting Tibetans, and now maintains a firm grip over this helpless region.
When China invaded Tibet, there was little or no meaningful protest from the global community, including India. Tibet was effectively abandoned to Chinese control. Though there have been occasional criticisms of China’s actions in Tibet, China has treated such opinions with contempt—just as Russia now disregards world opinion regarding Ukraine.
The present scenario clearly highlights that in today's world, nations and terrorist groups with military strength and muscle power call the shots. Aggressors seem unconcerned with world opinion, and criticisms and resolutions from organizations like the United Nations are rendered impotent and inconsequential.
From time immemorial, violence and wars have plagued humanity, and it appears that the fundamental mindset of humans remains unchanged. The established reality seems to be that "might is right," and the weak must suffer and submit to those with superior force.
In such circumstances, any claim that world civilization has improved or progressed is hollow and meaningless.
While technology and scientific development have advanced tremendously, they have not succeeded in changing the human mindset towards greater civility. A few peace-loving thinkers and saints continue to preach peace and harmony, but they are little more than cries in the wilderness.
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*Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai
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