The other point against Richard's position: what if the Germans won? France's position looks enviable because Germany lost.
But yes, it is highly questionable when one should and shouldn't defend to the death.
I think, for instance, that the Spartans should have retreated at Thermopylae. Completely ludicrous sacrifice that achieved little except for good myth-making.
And then I think Scotland is the best example of co-operating with an enemy (the English) and becoming stronger on all counts, economically, culturally, nationally, because of the collaboration.
It's conceivable that Ireland could have chosen a similar path. More complicated because of their Catholicism, but an interesting alternative history nonetheless.
I'm shocked by the China-Australia anecdote. Even though it's a sample of two it's pretty disturbing. You rightfully argue there needs to be some criteria for resisting; it would be insane for the US or UK to surrender to Putin, or even Australia to China.
The criteria to me is obvious - is the difference in outcomes worth it? I would much rather be ruled from Washington than Moscow, or Canberra than Beijing. It may be worth it to sacrifice a large proportion of Australia's population (10%) so the other 90% don't have to live under the CCP. It would also be worth it for present-day Poland (rich and free) or any EU country to resist Russia.
But dying to protect the Kiev regime? The corrupt oligarchy? Ukraine (before the war) was ~20% poorer than they were when they were communist! That's just embarrassing. I'm a strong believer in capitalism, so they must be governed really terribly to have negative growth after ending communism.
Obviously Putin isn't great either, though to be fair Russia has done better than Ukraine post-breakup. Neither is really a free country, it's hard to say which is worse. And of course Ukraine was guaranteed to be made worse off on all dimensions (deaths, economy, freedom) with a sustained war effort.
In conclusion, if I was Ukrainian, I'd find a way to escape to Poland. I'll fight for freedom in America if I had to, but no way I want to die fighting for Kiev.
The other point against Richard's position: what if the Germans won? France's position looks enviable because Germany lost.
But yes, it is highly questionable when one should and shouldn't defend to the death.
I think, for instance, that the Spartans should have retreated at Thermopylae. Completely ludicrous sacrifice that achieved little except for good myth-making.
And then I think Scotland is the best example of co-operating with an enemy (the English) and becoming stronger on all counts, economically, culturally, nationally, because of the collaboration.
It's conceivable that Ireland could have chosen a similar path. More complicated because of their Catholicism, but an interesting alternative history nonetheless.
Great article! I hope Richard responds.
I'm shocked by the China-Australia anecdote. Even though it's a sample of two it's pretty disturbing. You rightfully argue there needs to be some criteria for resisting; it would be insane for the US or UK to surrender to Putin, or even Australia to China.
The criteria to me is obvious - is the difference in outcomes worth it? I would much rather be ruled from Washington than Moscow, or Canberra than Beijing. It may be worth it to sacrifice a large proportion of Australia's population (10%) so the other 90% don't have to live under the CCP. It would also be worth it for present-day Poland (rich and free) or any EU country to resist Russia.
But dying to protect the Kiev regime? The corrupt oligarchy? Ukraine (before the war) was ~20% poorer than they were when they were communist! That's just embarrassing. I'm a strong believer in capitalism, so they must be governed really terribly to have negative growth after ending communism.
Obviously Putin isn't great either, though to be fair Russia has done better than Ukraine post-breakup. Neither is really a free country, it's hard to say which is worse. And of course Ukraine was guaranteed to be made worse off on all dimensions (deaths, economy, freedom) with a sustained war effort.
In conclusion, if I was Ukrainian, I'd find a way to escape to Poland. I'll fight for freedom in America if I had to, but no way I want to die fighting for Kiev.