Renowned author and filmmaker Alexander Kluge has issued a stark warning against escalating global military build-up, describing war as a destructive force governed by its own unpredictable logic. Speaking to “Die Zeit” newspaper, the 93-year-old cautioned against the belief that modern weaponry – drones, missiles and long-range systems – can lead to victory.
Kluge, who directly experienced the devastating effects of war as a teenager when his hometown of Halberstadt was bombed in 1945, emphasized the futility of attempts to utterly destroy an adversary. He suggested that such a strategy, a recurring pattern throughout history from the conflict at Troy to contemporary conflicts, ultimately undermines the possibility of genuine peace. “Destroyed cities and shattered stones do not form a foundation for true peace” he stated.
Kluge underscored a fundamental paradox: “One cannot truly win a war”. He argued that even in apparent victories, a subsequent downfall inevitably follows. Instead, he advocated for a shift in approach, emphasizing the importance of generosity and the capacity to understand the perspective of one’s counterpart in order to negotiate lasting peace.
“I must empathize completely with the other side’s viewpoint: What could be so important to them that they would be willing to end their wrongdoings, to acknowledge their errors?” he questioned. The key, he believes, lies in identifying the point at which even those perceived as tyrannical or malicious would be receptive to a negotiated settlement.
