World War I: 100 Years On

By Abhishek Gupta

…If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.
(The last line means- it is sweet and right to die for your country)

Wilfred Owen’s words above, condemning the war and its supporters, came at a time when Britain was indulged in the Great War. It was but “the old lie” as the war was fought on a hyped sense of nationalism, and at great costs. Deaths, injuries, famines, epidemics and disruption of social and economic life was unprecedented; even a look at the horrific statistics will do no justice to the conditions that prevailed during the war, and years thereafter. The Allies had touted it as ‘a war to end all wars’, but even as they wrote history, they made no effort to learn from it. A 100 years on, as we pause to reflect and remember the sacrifices of millions, we must ask the same question again-have we learnt any lesson?

The main reason for WWI was rivalry among the European states for colonies in Asia and Africa. German ambitions to control declining Ottoman empire clashed with that of Britain, France, Austria and Russia. France’s interest in Morroco, Italy’s in Tripoli, Russia’s in Iran and so on were proof of every major power’s imperialist ambitions. The Peace treaties did not end this imperialistic desire, it merely awarded the victors with self-legalization of forceful acquisitions. The imperialistic desire (in the form of colonialism) was curbed to a large extent after World War II, but it continues even today. The unabated trend of international tensions that we are witnessing in recent times can be attributed partly to the above, though there are other reasons as well. A look at some conflicts involving multiple nations will demonstrate that things haven’t changed much in these 100 years.

Syria and Ukraine are the most pressing problems today and both have major world powers backing the opposite sides. The Syrian conflict is going to enter the 4^th year soon, with the failure of Geneva II scuttling any chances of peace. This internal conflict that began as a part of Arab Spring movement has drawn in regional and world powers like US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran. The fallouts include 126000+ deaths (official estimates); 2 million plus refugees who have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt; and 4 million plus internally displaced people. The Ukrainian crisis has linkages with its strategic position and a weakened economy that has torn the country over whose help it needs-the West or Russia. From protestors occupying government buildings and demanding restoration of the 2004 constitution, the conflict has now acquired serious dimensions with Russian mobilization of troops in the face of US opposition. Closer to home in Asia, Chinese assertiveness in the South and East China Sea is pitting it against its neighbours and the US. The legacy of WWII, the United Nations, built after the failure of the League of Nations, has failed in its core mission of maintaining peace, just like its predecessor. It still represents the powerful, reminding us of the imperialist powers that controlled others directly before WWI. The UN is no more than a fake ceiling hiding behind itself the dark truths of our times. With increasing awareness and self realization, such a world order does not appear to be sustainable.

WWI was not a ‘world’ war in the literal sense. Though many were not a part of the war, it was dubbed so because of the number of people affected. On a crude scale, we see alliances and blocs still divide the nations into opposing groups (US led West versus Russia and China), just like the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente. Arms race is more advanced now, and almost every other country yearns to have the best weapons, for it somehow imparts a better feeling of ‘peace’. The above discussed confrontations also have the same characteristics; infact, they have a clear chance of making it a ‘world’ war, if WMDs enter the wrong hands.

WWI centenary will be marked by events in all major countries in the coming months. Remembering an unfortunate historic moment like this provides nothing but an opportunity to reflect on these issues, be truthful and accept responsibility in order to act before matters worsen. Humanity is being risked in the name of rights and wrongs by others, but all we need is a blend of positive leadership, unbiased media and concerned citizens to usher true global peace. The likes of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi need their successors to carry the light of peace forward, for there can never be a ‘war to end all wars’.

P.S.-“Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori” – (it is sweet and right to die for your country) – being labelled as the “old lie” has been used in a specific context- that of an unnecessary war. It does not vilify soldiers and nations fighting for a just cause.

Abhishek Gupta is a final year undergraduate student at IIT Delhi. He is an ardent cricket and tennis fan who also likes to deliberate upon issues that shape the world around us, ranging from politics to economics to international developments. You are invited to comment on his views at abhishekgupta92@yahoo.co.in.