The Fog of War

The Fog of War: an Oscar Winning 2004 documentary.

November 13, 2009

In this spectacular documentary, Robert McNemara, the leader of the Department of Defense under Kennedy and Johnson, outlines several tips he used in dealing with war, based on the notion that the point is to learn from the acts of war, not to simply destroy nations. First, he cites empathizing with one's enemy as a way to avoid war, since you can detect the weaknesses and subtelties of another nation and find a point of common interest to build a sense of peace on. Secondly, he states that rationality will not save us, since luck is often involved in preventing wars. Third, he hopes that one can recognize that there exists something beyond one's self. Fourth, maximizing efficiency is a given when in a war environment. Fifth, proportionality should be a guideline in war. It is against some moral standard of war-making to kill over 100,000 people in one night, and that unwritten guideline should be accepted by all. Sixth, get the data, as it will save lives and prevent war. Seventh, belief and seeing are both often wrong, since we see what we want to see. Eighth, be prepared to re-examine your reasoning, as situations can change rapidly. Ninth, In order to be good, often you must engage in evil; since war is by nature, evil.