Renowned author and filmmaker Alexander Kluge has issued a stark warning against escalating global military build-ups, describing war as a self-operating “demon” resistant to judgment. In an interview with “Die Zeit” Kluge, 93, cautioned against the belief that conflicts can be won through modern weaponry like drones and missiles.
Drawing on his own experience witnessing the bombing of his hometown of Halberstadt in 1945 at the age of 13, Kluge expressed deep skepticism about the possibility of decisively defeating an adversary. He emphasized the recurring and ultimately flawed assumption that complete destruction can lead to lasting peace.
“Destroyed cities and shattered stones do not form a foundation for genuine peace” he stated. He refuted the notion of victory in warfare, arguing that it remains an illusion throughout history, paralleling the trajectory from the siege of Troy to contemporary conflicts. “No one truly wins a war. That is the fundamental paradox” Kluge explained. “Whoever emerges seemingly victorious ultimately falls.
Instead of pursuing military dominance, Kluge advocates for displays of “generosity” and the ability to empathize with the opposing side. He underscored the importance of understanding the adversary’s motivations and identifying a point where even authoritarian leaders might be willing to negotiate and acknowledge past errors, fostering the potential for a lasting peace agreement. The challenge, he suggests, lies in finding that pivotal moment amenable to even the most entrenched parties.