War on words: Conflict corrupts language
War distorts everything, including language. Govts invent sterile phases and crude metaphors to make violence seem less disturbing and/or to diminish those perceived to be the enemy.
But repeated use of such vocabulary changes societies using it, corrupting its soul and desensitising people to brutality or even genocide.
It's About Control
Ultimately, the goal of war vocabulary is to maintain control and justify actions that would otherwise be deemed as extreme or beyond the borders of reasonability. Writer John Rees says that George Orwell recognised this long ago. He understood that corruption of language was not a side-effect of political decay but the mechanism itself.
Words only have meaning in relation to other words. And if one starts shifting those associations, meanings themselves change.
Take Israel's war in Gaza following the Oct 7 terror attack. Israeli authorities have consistently deployed a strategy that plays on Israeli citizens' fears and anxieties to justify the relentless bombardment of the Palestinian enclave. Therefore, Israel's military actions are portrayed as necessary 'security measures'.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
And the Israeli phrase that captures this perfectly is 'mowing the grass'. The latter essentially refers to Palestinians as weeds that need to be cut from time to time to keep the backyard neat.
Former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant also referred to Palestinians as 'human animals', reinforcing the perception that Palestinian lives weren't equal to Israeli lives.
Moral Detachment
This strategy was also used by the Nazis, describing Jews as 'the tapeworm in the human organism'.
Joseph Goebbels claimed that 'Jews have to be killed off like rats'. Stalin's USSR adopted this playbook, but in a more sophisticated form. Political dissidents in Soviet Russia were described as 'bloodsuckers', 'vampires' or 'vermin' that had to be purged. We see this Soviet vocabulary continue in Russia's war against Ukraine where Ukrainians are described as 'khokhols', a derogatory reference to hair, and Ukraine as 'malorossiya' or little Russia.
But another layer has been added to the terminologies, that of moral detachment. The latter allows even greater flexibility to bend international rules and normalise brutality. Thus, the term war is replaced by 'special military operation' as Russia has done with respect to its Ukraine aggression.
Similarly, American media came up with 'US military intervention' in Afghanistan and
Iraq
instead of US invasion that American actions against those two countries amounted to.
Civilian Afghan and Iraqi lives lost in those wars were put down as 'collateral damage'.
Impersonal War Machines
Worse, sterile terminologies that justify mass death and suffering are likely to get a boost with AI and autonomous defence platforms. When a drone operator takes out a target thousands of miles away, he only sees a blip on the screen. When autonomous tanks roll through civilian areas, the operator is playing a video game in his bunker. These technologies desensitise us to the horrors of war and normalises conflict.
Then people are no longer killed but 'neutralised'. Countries are not invaded but 'restructured'. Civilian targets become 'human shields' to be destroyed. And war becomes the solution for 'root causes'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
40 minutes ago
- Mint
Israel kills Hamas naval commander in Gaza airstrike amid stalled ceasefire talks
Israel killed Ramzi Saleh, Hamas' top naval commander in northern Gaza, in an airstrike, according to latest reports. The attack happened in Gaza City and also killed two other Hamas fighters: Hisham Mansour (deputy mortar chief) and Nissim Abu Sabha (mortar unit operative). Israel called Saleh a "big source of knowledge" who was planning sea attacks against Israeli forces. This comes as Israel keeps targeting Hamas leaders. Israel's defense forces took to X to write, 'ELIMINATED: Commander of Hamas' Naval Force in northern Gaza and additional terrorists. The terrorist Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh was eliminated by the IDF in Gaza City. Saleh was a significant source of knowledge within Hamas and in recent weeks, was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in Gaza.' Recently, they confirmed the killing of Mohammed Deif, Hamas' top military chief, and Mohammed Sinwar, a key commander and brother of Hamas' former leader. These strikes aim to weaken Hamas' ability to fight. Hamas is losing its top wartime leaders fast. The group's secret 'War Council', five men who planned the October 7 attack on Israel, is now gone. Israel killed Mohammed Deif in July 2024, Marwan Issa in March 2024, and Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. Mohammed Sinwar was killed in May. These losses leave Hamas without its most experienced commanders. However, not all Israeli claims succeed. In one case, a Hamas commander named Hussein Fayyad reappeared after Israel said he was dead, showing Hamas can still surprise people. Despite this, experts say Hamas is weaker than ever. The war has been devastating for Gaza. Since fighting restarted on March 18, over 6,860 Palestinians have died and 24,220 have been hurt. The total Palestinian deaths since October 2023 now stand at 57,418, with 136,261 injured. Israel says its strikes try to avoid civilians, but the damage is huge. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million people are homeless. While a shaky ceasefire recently allowed some aid in and prisoner swaps, fighting continues. Hamas still runs parts of Gaza, even with its leaders being killed. The group vows to fight on despite its losses. As the war grinds on, diplomatic efforts continue. Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Washington on July 7 to meet President Trump and other US leaders. They discussed a possible 60-day ceasefire deal to free 10 living hostages and 18 bodies held by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But major disagreements remain: Hamas wants the war to end forever, while Israel only accepts a temporary pause. Talks are stuck. Netanyahu also planned to discuss Iran, Syria relations, and trade with US officials. Meanwhile, Hamas insists it won't quit, with one leader declaring victory despite Israel's attacks.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘India has drawn its red lines…': Ahead of Donald Trump's tariff deadline, officials say ‘ball in US court' on trade deal; here's what's happening
India's largest trading partner since 2021-22 has been the United States. (AI image) India-US trade deal: Ahead of US President Donald Trump 's July 9 tariff deadline, India has drawn the red lines on a mini trade deal. According to Indian officials, the decision on the mini or interim trade deal now rests with America. Sources told PTI that should matters be resolved, an interim trade deal could be announced prior to July 9, which coincides with the conclusion of the 90-day suspension period of Trump-era tariffs announced on April 2, affecting multiple countries including India. India-US Trade Deal: India Draws Red Lines As negotiations continue for the proposed interim trade agreement between India and the US, India has established firm boundaries on crucial sectors including agriculture and dairy. "India has drawn its red lines... now the ball is in the US court," sources told PTI. India and the US spoke of discussions for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in February, setting a timeline to complete the first phase by autumn (September-October) this year. Prior to this milestone, both countries are working to establish an interim trade arrangement. Also Read | India-US trade deal: 'Don't make deals based on deadlines, national interest paramount', says Piyush Goyal as Donald Trump's tariff date nears Following the US implementation of an additional 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian products on April 2, which was temporarily suspended for 90 days, America's 10% baseline tariff remains active. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 아픈 사람의 99%는 목이 뭉쳐있습니다. Undo 아픈 사람의 99%는 목이 뭉쳐있습니다. Undo 아픈 사람의 99%는 목이 뭉쳐있습니다. Undo 아픈 사람의 99%는 목이 뭉쳐있습니다. Undo India seeks complete exemption from the 26% tariff. "If the proposed trade talks fail, the 26 per cent tariffs will come into force again," one of the sources said. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised last week that India's approach to trade agreements is not deadline-driven, and the country will only proceed with the US trade deal when it is completely finalised and aligns with national interests. Trade agreements can only materialise when they provide mutual advantages to both participating nations, ensuring a beneficial outcome for all parties involved, he had stressed. "National interest should always be supreme. Keeping that in mind, if a deal is made then India is always ready to deal with developed countries," Goyal had said on July 4. India-US Trade Deal Issues Following discussions in Washington regarding an interim trade agreement, the Indian delegation has returned. Outstanding issues remain concerning tariffs on steel, aluminium (50 per cent) and auto (25 per cent). India has taken a firm stance regarding duty concessions to the US on agricultural and dairy products, considering their sensitive nature. Notably, India has maintained a consistent policy of keeping its dairy sector protected in all previous trade agreements. The Donald Trump administration has initiated correspondence with 10-12 nations regarding reciprocal tariff rates, with plans to finalise the process by July 9. India awaits clarity on whether a trade agreement with Washington can be reached before the US president's tariff deadline. The specific countries involved have not been disclosed by Trump. The implementation of reciprocal tariffs is scheduled to commence from August 1. The negotiations involve potential duty adjustments, with the US seeking concessions on industrial goods, electric vehicles, wines, petrochemicals, dairy products and agricultural items including apples, tree nuts and alfalfa hay. India's considerations for duty reductions focus on labour-intensive industries, encompassing apparels, textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, plastics, chemicals, oil seeds, shrimp and horticultural products. Also Read | India-US trade deal: What's the deadlock about? Top issues blocking agreement as Donald Trump's 26% tariff deadline looms India-US Trade Ties India's largest trading partner since 2021-22 has been the United States. The bilateral trade figures for 2024-25 reached $131.84 billion, comprising $86.51 billion in exports, $45.33 billion in imports, resulting in a trade surplus of $41.18 billion. In the April-May period of the current fiscal year, India's merchandise exports to the United States increased by 21.78 per cent, reaching $17.25 billion. Similarly, imports grew by 25.8 per cent to $8.87 billion. Services trade between the two nations expanded from $54.1 billion in 2018 to approximately $70.5 billion in 2024. Also Read | 'Take it or leave it': Donald Trump says US tariff letters ready for 12 countries ahead of July 9 deadline; will be sent out from... The United States represents a significant market for Indian enterprises, particularly in sectors including professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and information technology. In terms of India's overall trade composition, the United States contributes approximately 18 per cent of total goods exports, over 6 per cent of imports, and roughly 11 per cent of bilateral trade. The United States invested $70.65 billion in India during the period from April 2000 to March 2025, positioning itself as the third most significant investor. India's primary exports to the United States in 2024 comprised pharmaceutical formulations and biologicals worth $8.1 billion, telecommunications equipment valued at $6.5 billion, precious and semi-precious stones amounting to $5.3 billion, petroleum products at $4.1 billion, precious metal jewellery including gold at $3.2 billion, cotton garments with accessories totalling $2.8 billion, and iron and steel products worth $2.7 billion. The key imports consisted of crude oil valued at $4.5 billion, petroleum products worth $3.6 billion, coal and coke at $3.4 billion, processed diamonds at $2.6 billion, electrical machinery amounting to $1.4 billion, aviation components at $1.3 billion, and gold imports worth $1.3 billion. Also Read | US plans 'economic bunker buster' bill: Will Donald Trump impose 500% tariff on countries importing oil from Russia? How it may impact India Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'President Elon'? Musk launches 'The America Party' after spat with Donald Trump - is it viable?
Elon Musk has done many things few thought possible: Launching rockets, developing self-driving cars, and turning a major social media platform into his personal megaphone. Now, he's taking on his most ambitious project yet: blowing up America's entrenched two-party system. On Sunday, the world's richest man unveiled the launch of the 'America Party' a self-funded political force he claims will challenge what he describes as a corrupt and bankrupt "uniparty" dominated by both Democrats and Republicans. The move formalises weeks of growing hostility between Musk and Trump, transforming a simmering feud into full-blown political warfare. 'Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,' Musk declared on X, the social media platform he owns. — elonmusk (@elonmusk) Long one of Trump's biggest donors and closest policy allies, Musk now vows to bankroll challengers to Republican incumbents and push forward what he hopes will become the most consequential third-party bid in modern US history. The question now: Is this Musk's next great disruption or a high-profile experiment doomed by the very system he hopes to upend? Musk lashes out Musk's post was one of several attacks on both parties, but especially on Republicans who, in his view, have broken promises to reduce government spending. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!' he wrote. 'And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. ' Musk further accused Congress of representing a corrupt 'Democrat-Republican uniparty,' adding: 'Our country needs an alternative... so that the people actually have a VOICE.' But as the Washington Post's Prompt newsletter noted, many political observers see Musk's crusade as more performative than strategic. While he once led Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, Musk showed little real interest in cutting the national debt until the bill directly threatened his business incentives. Can Musk's 'America Party' succeed? Experts say not likely Jenna Bednar, a political scientist at the University of Michigan, echoed these concerns in an interview with The : 'In the United States' electoral system, third parties face nearly insurmountable organisational, institutional, and cultural barriers… Mr. Musk likes to build big and has ambitions for a national party. I don't see it becoming a serious rival to the two parties.' She added, however, that Musk 'could be enormously successful if he uses his wealth to support primary challengers… He could significantly reshape the Republican Party from within by freeing centrist Republicans from their fears of Mr. Trump.' Bednar also cautioned that 'there is a high likelihood that Mr. Musk's attention would wane; the earliest primaries are not until March 2026. He may move on to other projects long before then. ' Libertarian Party: Musk's cautionary tale As Musk builds the America Party from scratch, many experts point to the Libertarian Party as a cautionary tale. It remains the most consistently successful third party in modern US politics yet its influence remains marginal. Founded in 1971, the Libertarian Party has built robust ballot access, often appearing in all 50 states. It achieved its best-ever presidential performance in 2016, when Gary Johnson won 3.3% of the national vote over 4.4 million ballots. However, that momentum has yet to translate into broader national relevance. The party has found some success in local elections, winning hundreds of municipal offices and occasionally a state legislative seat. But it has never sent a member to Congress elected purely as a Libertarian. Figures like Justin Amash switched affiliation while in office but did not win re-election under the party banner. In short, even with decades of organising, broad ideological appeal, and consistent ballot access, the Libertarian Party has struggled to gain serious political traction. Musk may have resources far beyond any Libertarian candidate in history, but the same systemic barriers legal, financial, and cultural could confine the America Party to the same fate. Third-party struggles CNN highlighted how entrenched the two-party system has become, noting that even well-funded independents like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or popular outliers like Lisa Murkowski often struggle to survive politically. 'You're roadkill in the middle,' Murkowski told The Assignment podcast. Furthermore, to qualify as a party in California, for instance, a new political group must either register 75,000 voters or gather over 1 million petition signatures. And to be nationally recognised, each state branch must request an advisory opinion from the Federal Election Commission, a time-consuming and expensive process. Despite this, Musk's immense personal wealth could theoretically change the game. Musk spent $277 million in the 2024 cycle, mostly through America PAC, and could do so again. However, even with endless money, Kappel warned: 'The hurdles for creating a new party and getting it on the ballot are extremely high… It's a multi-year project and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.' Parties that rose, ruled — and vanished Musk's America Party may seem like a moonshot in today's entrenched two-party system, but American history is filled with once-powerful parties that vanished — and others that emerged to take their place. In the early days of the republic, the Federalist Party dominated under Alexander Hamilton, only to fade after the War of 1812. It was replaced by the Whigs, who briefly rose to prominence in the mid-19th century before collapsing over divisions on slavery. Out of the Whigs' ashes came the Republican Party — a fringe movement that, within a few years, swept Abraham Lincoln into the presidency. These historical shifts show that the American party system is not as fixed as it may seem. But the key ingredient for transformation wasn't just money or media power; it was a moment of crisis, a vacuum in political leadership, and deep national realignment. America Party's 2026 plan: Targeted disruption Musk proposed focusing on just a few vulnerable Senate and House races. 'One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts,' he wrote. 'Crack the uniparty system through extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield.' Still, legal and structural challenges remain enormous. Musk has yet to register the party with the FEC and will need a legal framework to coordinate donations, meet ballot requirements, and recruit candidates. Former DOGE aide James Fishback has even launched a rival super PAC to counter Musk's influence. Called FSD PAC (Full Support for Donald), it aims to raise $1 million to back Trump-aligned candidates and oppose Musk-backed challengers. For now, Musk's America Party is more of a declaration than institution. But if his wealth, frustration, and ambition hold firm, it could reshape the GOP or become the most serious third-party movement America has seen in decades.
