The dogs of war

[tgh]

I am starting this thread as general repository for news and views about conflict and how it may change our lives and our travel plans.
Please remember the site rules in relation to National political comment and respect for personal views ( mods.. is this ok ?? )

After a very long period of peace, the world is again threatened by Imperialist States seeking expansion by force.
"Free world" economic management seems to be urgently ramping defence oriented spending with a commensurate reduction of other social benefit developments.

It is difficult not to held in thrall at the magnificent defence of their homeland by the Ukrainians , while all at once be fearful of where the conflict may lead.

Based on recent events , should ( could ?? ) the world now line up shoulder to shoulder and tell the Russians to quit.. or else ?
Would such an action work ?
If successful, would it then dissuade the Chinese from taking Taiwan by force ?

 

[OATEK]

...

Based on recent events , should ( could ?? ) the world now line up shoulder to shoulder and tell the Russians to quit.. or else ?
Would such an action work ?
If successful, would it then dissuade the Chinese from taking Taiwan by force ?

If there was a realistic hope of forcing countries to desist from power grabs, it would have been a thing long before the latest conflicts. The UN and various alliances seem powerless to prevent this, or in many cases promote it. In the case of both Russia and China, I expect the only action that might succeed would come from within, not without. History has shown that the rise of the middle class has a huge impact on the direction of nation states, and none more so in what were meant to be class-less states (eg current or former communist countries). It is likely that those with the most to lose internally will be the ones to act if anyone does.

 

[NM]

As this is Australian Frequent Flyer, lets focus the discussion how such events impact our travel - plans, objectives, costs, travel insurance, experiences etc.

And while war is often based on difference in political, religious, racial views, at AFF we are an inclusive community so please ensure respect for all such beliefs even if they differ from your own. Any transgression that is disrespectful or in any way offensive, will result in moderation action.

 

[ZigZagWanderer]

Personally, regarding travel, after 3 years of forced containment in Australia (well 2, but effectively 3 for other reasons), I was terrified that this war would escalate and cause global conflict. That would scupper almost any future travel plans of mine, and restrict my experience significantly, probably for the most important part of my retirement. I'm actually still somewhat concerned.

I realise that this is entirely selfish, and I'm not exactly comfortable with my feelings on it, but it's the unvarnished truth, unfortunately.

 

[Scarlett]

More people versus finite space and resources equals more conflict. Unfortunately.

The future history of the world will definitely affect my retirement and travel plans. I also suspect that the golden age of travel probably was 1960-2010, so our parents probably had it better than they realise.

 

[Forg]

More people versus finite space and resources equals more conflict. Unfortunately.

The future history of the world will definitely affect my retirement and travel plans. I also suspect that the golden age of travel probably was 1960-2010, so our parents probably had it better than they realise.

I guess it depends on what you’re seeing as being golden … airfares were ridiculously expensive in the 60’s & 70’s compared to even now let alone 5 years ago, which means it was admittedly more fancy & more romantic then, but it was just sooo expensive that very few could afford it.

I reckon the golden age was probably about 5 years ago. You could travel in business class for comparatively less than economy was in the late 70’s (except with greater comfort than 1st back then). I don’t think it’s going to be that long before fossil fuel starts costing something which reflects the environmental cost of using it, and unless something changes in aircraft engine &/or fuel technology I think that’ll mean we’ll be looking at 70’s prices again not that far in the future.