Well, you all know my hopeless incompetency when it comes to forecasting so I will not attempt to guess in detail how the world will look when God throws the pieces back on the table after this major shake up. In some ways it could be very troublesome because we have all become accustomed to a fairly stable world where the 'Great Powers' face off in mutual suspicion but with equal wariness. Mostly, of course, that has been due to mutual fear of the non-win characteristic of nuclear warfare. After all, not only does the probability of the total destruction of your own country tend to dampen warrior spirits but the equal probability that your enemy's country will be uninhabitable for several centuries is not exactly an encouragement to 'have a go'!
Even so, such will be the damage inflicted on nation-states following this pandemic that some of the less intelligent world leaders - oh alright then, all of them! - might be tempted to take advantage of perceived weaknesses. Not for a major operation but perhaps for some tactical manoeuvres that might provide some long-term advantages. Needless to say, such temptations should be resisted because - 'as every fule do no' - "great oaks from little acorns grow" - and then a bloody big gale comes along and blows it down on top of you! So I do hope that our Lords and Masters muster as much common-sense as they possess and resist any temptations offered by their former rivals!
Well, a man may hope, may he not?
I think that nice Mr. Putin will be the one to watch. He's not likely to pass up on any half decent chance.
Posted by: Whyaxye | Friday, 03 April 2020 at 14:05
That nice Mr. Xi might be tempted to do likewise. He has met an American President he can't beat so lo and behold, along comes a Commie Virus which is unleashed on the world and the West shuts down. China does not as they don't have to be accountable to anyone. Xi might figure why not now? If not now, when? China only has so long to make a move.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 03 April 2020 at 14:17