Notes on Ongoing War, Cultural Identity, and Global Dynamics

Concept of Ongoing War since 1990

• The speaker identifies that the United States has technically been in a state of war since 1990, which refers to the inception of the Persian Gulf War.
• The war has not been formally declared over, implying a continuous military engagement.

Implications of Continuous War

• A perpetual state of war enables the government to activate various wartime powers.
• These powers can encompass economic tools, which purportedly affect the military industrial complex.
• This situation allows certain groups to exploit the circumstances of war for their own benefits.

Cultural Identity and Race

• A discussion arises about how cultures outside of Western Europe define themselves.
• The speaker suggests that many cultures do not primarily identify based on skin color.
• This contrasts with some Western notions of identity, inviting a broader understanding of cultural self-definition.

Colonialism and Globalism

• The relationship between continuous war and aspects of colonialism and globalism is touched upon.
• The speaker believes that ongoing conflicts provide frameworks for power dynamics that benefit certain groups.
• There is an implicit critique regarding how these dynamics influence global relations and historical narratives.

Need for Broader Perspective

• The points raised invite a call to consider perspectives beyond the Western lens, acknowledging diverse cultural identities and political states.
• Understanding history and identity through a multifaceted lens is crucial to grasp the contemporary dynamics at play.