Weaponisation of Finance

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“Weaponisation of finance” and “Lawfare” are terms that are commonly used by military planners in the context of non-linear or ‘hybrid’ warfare. However, they are arguably symptoms of a more comprehensive global phenomenon directly linked to resources, climatic deterioration, mass media and social fragmentation.

Leveraging economic benefits to win over ‘hearts and minds’ whilst simultaneously degrading the adversary’s ‘will to fight’, capacity and capability through kinetic and non-kinetic effects that strike at the financial streams and income streams upon which hard power and political control depend has long been a central tenet of successful conflict strategy. This applies in micro and macro scale: whether it is a question of rival syndicates or superpowers vying for hegemony.

The question is what this strategy costs...

While multinational corporate conglomerates pursue the ecologically abusive and wasteful practices of seeking out and monetising ever-scarcer natural resources for raw profit margins, the unique natural treasures of ecosystems which have gradually evolved over centuries are forever at risk.

Although 1st world encouragement for individuals, families and communities to implement measures for ‘smarter’ waste management, recycling and natural power sourcing amongst others is not a bad thing per se, it is almost certainly failing to make one iota of difference to the bigger picture and results.

Throughout human history distraction of the masses has always been the most effective method to prevent social cohesion, shared knowledge and a common cause behind which a diverse population can unite thus achieving a singularity of purpose. It is that kind of popular synergy that can transcend race, religion, politics and the class system which could be the only viable, (if unlikely), game changing force to alter the self-destructive trajectory that we are on as a species.

The fault does not sit with one particular country, company or cult. Rather it is consumptive disease that lies within the fabric of the human condition itself: a selective vision, deliberate blindness, aggressive competitiveness, fear of being left behind and a lethargic submission to the path of least resistance.

There are technocrats who perceive things differently in the light of constant evolution toward a new and as yet undefined end-state - the dawn of A.I. Combined with the potential for interstellar colonisation and the acceptance that ‘progress’/evolution causes radical change away from the comfort of tradition and popular memory. Indeed, if you are a member of the “1%” club then it is likely that you will be in a position to preserve your desired way of life in a relatively untarnished and stable geographic location for many years to come with your children and even their children benefitting from the same. However, for the rest of us, the proverbial ‘race against time’ is well and truly in effect.

Large scale high intensity warfare between national actors is not as likely or as well resourced as it once was; rather now is the time of counterinsurgency, proxy forces, disinformation and privatised security. Unfortunately this plays nicely into the hands of the budget handlers who ultimately hold the reins of the Trojan horse upon which we are galloping towards the abyss.

Mass media culture is affecting the youth of today in a way that we have never seen before: between the obsessively selfish and narcissistic social media, the fear factor and psychological messaging transmitted 24/7 by all mainstream media outlets and the constantly shifting opinion of so-called “experts”, it is more of a challenge than ever before for people to conduct their own independent research and formulate unbiased opinions. At the same time, individual relatively minor tactical events are captured and broadcasted across the internet within seconds for all to see - this provides an excellent opportunity for spin doctors to work their magic and turn awe and/or outrage into covert benefits.

If you were to equate the pathway of human evolution to that of a relationship between two humans, you would quickly identify certain parallels: once trust is broken and damage has been inflicted, one cannot simply turn back the clock, (even with the best will possible); moving forward into the unknown with pure faith and a degree of logical rational and ethical judgment as companions becomes the only sane option. Attempting to relive the past has never produced an equal measure of satisfaction the second or third time around...

Hard power economic sources of oil and gas, gold and other commodities remain the stable diet of nations and global powerhouses. Although we may embrace cryptocurrency, renewable energy and a “return to nature” mentality, these remain 1st world concerns immeasurably far from the minds of the disenfranchised masses struggling to survive across the less fortunate and conflict torn locations on the global stage.

Is greed the root cause? The never ending scramble to achieve cash status / keeping up with the Jones’ or the Kardashians or any other superficial and popular advert for the illusion of happiness through affluence.

More to follow... Please UPVOTE & RESTEEM if you are interested.

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