125. Investing in preparation for future events
One
argument I have been hearing of late which seems sensible at first sight is
that it is not possible for societies to prepare well for something that we
don’t know is going to happen. It has been used, to good effect, to defend the
fact that we were fairly (not completely) unprepared for the coronavirus
pandemic. The argument sounds sensible, but it does not stand careful analysis.
Firstly, we did know something like this was going to happen, and the same is
true of the next global problems, climate change, antibiotic resistance, the
diabetes pandemic and growing inequality. We know they are coming, we should be
preparing much better. Secondly, the same politicians and leaderships who use
the argument as an excuse disprove it daily with their security and military
investment. Countries spend annual fortunes in military capability and
exercises, to prepare for the uncertain eventuality of conflict. But the wars
that really matter will be fought against the challenges listed above
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