Faced with Putin, can we remain pacifist?

by time news

NONThe Ukrainian conflict concerns all democracies

– Stern (excerpts) Hamburg

In Germany, popular support for military aid to Ukraine is in sharp decline. This is what emerges from a survey by the Forsa Institute [publié le 3 mai]. If, at the beginning of April, 55% of Germans were in favor of arms deliveries to Ukraine, they are only 46% today.

The reasons can be many. For starters, it obviously expresses the fear of finding yourself in the middle of a conflict again. Then, these days, it may seem unwise to get rid of our last weapons in working order. Finally, pacifism also plays a role, this school of thought which rejects all forms of war, rearmament and military preparation.

Instead of howitzers and fighter jets, it is through civil disobedience and non-violence that the adversary is supposed to be compelled to lay down their arms. When you consider the situation in Ukraine, there is something almost utopian about this approach – and yet no party has it as much in its genes as the Greens.

“Avoid a second Syria”

Traditionally, their supporters see themselves as the epitome of the peace party. Their origins go back to the peace and environment movements of the 1970s. These groups coalesced for fear of the nuclear arms race and the deadly catastrophe it could unleash. People protested at the time against NATO’s nuclear armament, against nuclear power plants, or even against both. The “struggle” was mostly about demonstrations, heated debates, and knitting.

But in the face of determined, autocratic dictators who seem quite willing to push the button, such a thing is unthinkable today. The situation has certainly changed, but the about-face of the Greens on the subject is no less surprising. Thus, recently, the member of the Bundestag Marieluise Beck launched: “Ideally, Ukraine should be well enough equipped to be able to close its airspace. We must prevent this country from becoming a second Syria.” According to her, it is necessary “if necessary resort to military force” pour “defeat a totalitarian regime”.

The tenors of his party are also calling for military support for Ukraine and at the same time putting pressure on the SPD, their social democratic partner. Instead of being moralizing apostles in government,

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