Tachles with Aviel – Does Europe Really Know How Peace Works?

Europe wanted to show the world how to overcome war. Today, Europe is learning again how to prepare for war.

For decades, the continent was seen as proof that old enmities could be overcome, open borders instead of trenches, trade instead of tanks, diplomacy instead of missiles. We Israelis in particular were often presented with this European experience as a lesson. Why can’t you in the Middle East learn what we Europeans figured out long ago? Why always deterrence, armies, and weapons? With dialogue, economic interdependence, and enough goodwill, any conflict can ultimately be resolved. I have heard these words countless times. From politicians, friends, Christians, peace activists.

Just recently, a German couple in Brazil explained to me with remarkable certainty that essentially everything can be resolved without war. But history has little interest in certainties. Today, Sweden is distributing instructions for wartime. Germany is recommending emergency supplies. The Netherlands wants its citizens to be able to manage 72 hours without government assistance. Britain is dusting off old crisis plans. Finland keeps its shelters at the ready. Norway has declared 2026 the year of total defense. Europe itself — the very continent that preached to others for decades about...Here.