Home   About   Contact   Deutsch   English   Français   Español  



Day of Unity or Division? Why Politics Has No Interest in Peace!


35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall – a day of celebration, yet the cracks run deeper. While we remember reunification, wars rage worldwide, and divisions within our society grow. Politics demands unconditional loyalty, but those who don’t conform are declared outsiders. What is going wrong in our country – and why does politics shy away from peace?



Tomorrow marks the anniversary of German Unity Day, a symbol of triumph over division. The fall of the Wall 35 years ago seemed to mark the end of the Cold War and the beginning of an era of unity and peace. Yet while we celebrate, the world is burning. A war in Ukraine, the Middle East ablaze – Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran all caught in a boiling conflict. And politics? It does not call for de-escalation, but pressures us to take sides – on their side.

Division as a Political Tool

One might think politics would have learned from history. But the opposite seems true. The rhetoric of cold fronts is back, except today it’s not about capitalism versus communism, but about who stands “on the right side of history.” Those daring to question the current government course are quickly labeled “right-wing,” “populist,” or “unsolidary.” The pattern is familiar: during the corona pandemic, critics of government measures were defamed and ostracized. Now, as geopolitical tensions escalate, it becomes clear again how divided our society is.

But why does politics have no interest in de-escalation? The answer may be uncomfortable: It’s easier to govern a divided society. The “enemy from outside” or the “threat from within” is a tried and true method to distract from internal problems. When people focus on external conflicts or ideological battles, they question less the economic inequality, social injustice, or the fact that the political system itself often causes division and unrest.

War and Conflict as Distraction and Power Instruments

It’s no secret that wars often serve power preservation more than actual peace. Countries at war tend to question their governments less. Patriotic feelings are stirred, and politics can count on broader approval in times of crisis. But the truth is: people don’t want war. They want peace, stability, and a future without fear. So why is that denied to them?

Politics profits from a state of constant fear and insecurity. Because only those who are afraid are willing to give up freedom – whether in the form of state surveillance, restrictions on freedom of speech, or blind trust in political authorities. As long as society is divided, power structures can be maintained. And as long as the “enemy” – whether real or constructed – exists, the population remains dependent on politics as the “protective power.”

What Can People Do?

But what can we do? Must we submit to this game of division and escalation? Absolutely not. History shows that change can come from below, when people unite and apply pressure together. Politics will not de-escalate by itself unless it sees a reason to do so. The key lies in building solidarity beyond ideological boundaries. It can no longer be about “Are you for or against the government?” Instead, we must name the real problems – poverty, injustice, and the wars waged by political elites while the people bear the consequences.

A strong civil society, independent of political ideologies and committed to peace, can force politics to de-escalate. Demonstrations, civil disobedience, and the creation of alternative media are important steps. The discourse must become more nuanced again, avoiding the trap of the simple dichotomy of “good and evil.” Because political escalation feeds precisely on that – on simplifying complex problems to split society into camps.

Flashback

Five years ago, from November 8 to 10, 2019, the German Society for Systemic Constellations gathered in Naumburg Cathedral for a conference on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This conference was a profound moment of reflection on the many unspoken traumas still present in German society today. Especially in East Germany, the wounds from the Wall’s fall and the subsequent upheavals are still palpable. People there often carry feelings and experiences far beyond the historic moment. Much of it runs deep and shapes today’s understanding of freedom, justice, and democracy.


Looking at the current election results in East Germany, it becomes clear that the political situation there is perceived differently than in the West. Many people in East Germany are unwilling to follow government policies blindly. They recognize parallels to the late GDR era: political rhetoric barely matching reality, and a distortion of facts leading to growing discontent. As then, it is the citizens who feel the gap between political narratives and their lived reality – and who critically question government slogans. This shows that the promise of unity remains unfulfilled in many areas.

In speeches on German Unity Day, many politicians will surely praise themselves again, proclaim successes, but also name problems – problems they caused themselves but blame others for. And they will present themselves again as problem-solvers who simply deserve the people’s trust and obedience.

The Power of the People

On German Unity Day, we should remember that unity is not just an empty symbol, but a task. A divided society is easy to control – but a united one that stands for peace is a force that can demand change. We must no longer allow ourselves to be pushed into the role of pawns blindly following the powerful. Instead, we must take responsibility to advocate for a nuanced, peaceful dialogue and force politics to reconsider its escalation strategy. Because peace lies in our hands – if we dare to fight for it.

Author: AI-Translation - Angelika Müller  |  02.10.2024

Jeden Tag neue Angebote bis zu 70 Prozent reduziert

Other articles:

At School

A submission from a citizen in the Burgenland district about the situation in schools.... zum Artikel

Commemoration at the Former "Wille" Subcamp of the Concentration Camp in Rehmsdorf - May 8, 2024

On May 8, 2024, many places commemorated the liberation from National Socialism and fascism, remembered, and warned that such times must never happen again. This included Rehmsdorf... zum Artikel

The fight for peace and freedom allows no pause

On June 28, 2028, behind Erfurt, at the legendary “3 Gleichen,” not only a fire of remembrance blazed—but a warning fire of anger, concern, and resolute protest.... zum Artikel

der offizielle Kanal der Bürgerstimme auf Telegram   der offizielle Kanal der Bürgerstimme auf YouTube

Support the operation of this website with voluntary contributions:
via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/evovi/12

or via bank transfer
IBAN: IE55SUMU99036510275719
BIC: SUMUIE22XXX
Account holder: Michael Thurm


Shorts / Reels / Kurz-Clips   Imprint / Disclaimer