EDITOR'S CORNER: The Lessons of WWII

On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the European theatre, I think it’s important to pause and reflect—not just on the sacrifices made by those who lived through it and died for our freedom, but also on the lessons we can still draw from that dark chapter in history.

This post was partly inspired by how often I hear people compare today’s world to 1939, just before the outbreak of the war. And while we’re not living through the same exact circumstances, there are worrying echoes that are hard to ignore.

Number 1: THE DANGERS OF TOTALITARIANISM AND UNCHECKED POWERS

World War II showed us just how dangerous unchecked authoritarianism can be. Leaders like Hitler and Mussolini rose to power by playing on fear, exploiting national pain, and slowly eroding democratic systems from the inside. They controlled the media, silenced opposition, and used violence to push their ideologies. The result? A world plunged into conflict, and horrors we vowed never to repeat.

Now, I’m not saying today’s European leaders are on that level—but I do think we’re seeing cracks in our democratic foundations. Across the continent, and the majority of the global stage, right-wing parties are gaining ground and pushing out the incumbent left. They’re offering quick fixes, scapegoats, and slogans instead of real solutions. 

I get it—people are frustrated! Inflation is high, living costs are rising, jobs feel uncertain, and immigration remains a complex issue. However, we need to be careful. These parties often make bold promises but rarely deliver meaningful results.

Number 2: THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS

As we reflect on the aftermath of World War II, one of the most significant lessons learned was the value of international cooperation. After the war ended, world leaders understood that peace couldn’t be taken for granted. To prevent another global conflict, they built structures like the United Nations, NATO, and the World Bank—designed to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence.

But today, we’re seeing a growing trend—especially among right-wing governments—of turning inward. Some countries are distancing themselves from international commitments, choosing nationalism over collaboration. The most striking example of this, sadly, is the United States.

The U.S. has been pushing away long-standing allies, floating ideas as extreme as invading friendly nations like Canada and Greenland, and slashing foreign aid. These actions undermine not just diplomacy, but also the very principles of democracy and global stability. It’s a troubling shift away from soft power and toward isolationism. All that in just 100 days, too!

We’ve seen before where this kind of thinking leads. Empires that pursued aggressive self-interest often sparked conflict and competition. In today’s interconnected world, that approach is not just outdated—it’s dangerous. Isolationism and nationalism might seem appealing in the short term, especially when times are tough, but they weaken our ability to face global challenges together.

We need strong international ties—so that when problems arise, we solve them through dialogue and cooperation, not through threats or war. That’s the real lesson from the post-WWII era, and it’s one we can’t afford to forget.

Number 3: THE POWERS AND DANGERS OF TECHNOLOGY 

Looking back at World War II, it’s clear how rapidly technology can change the nature of war. That period brought huge advances—from radar and code-breaking machines to jet engines. And, of course, the most terrifying development of all: the nuclear bomb. These inventions reshaped warfare and introduced new risks—both ethical and existential.

Today, we’re facing similar dilemmas with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cyber warfare. One of the most visible examples is how drones are transforming modern combat. Battlefields now evolve so quickly that technologies from just a few months ago can already feel outdated. We're even having serious discussions about the ethics of autonomous weapons—machines that can make life-and-death decisions without any human involvement.

History reminds us that innovation during times of conflict can come at a high price. That’s why it’s so important to approach these new tools with caution, foresight, and global cooperation. The war in Ukraine is a daily example of how fast these changes happen—and why we need to be thoughtful about the kind of future we're building with them.

Number 4: ECONOMIC INSTABILTY IS ANATHEMA TO PEACE

In the years leading up to World War II, the world was reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. That economic chaos created the perfect conditions for extremist ideologies to take hold. People were angry, desperate, and disillusioned with the establishment. It was in this environment that figures like Adolf Hitler were able to rise, offering radical solutions and scapegoats.

We’re seeing echoes of that today. Economic anxieties are fueling political shifts across the globe. In the U.S., promises to “make America great again” helped propel Donald Trump into office. Just last weekend in Romania, George Simion gained significant traction in the first round of the presidential elections—again, driven in part by economic frustration and discontent with the status quo.

This all serves as a powerful reminder that economic inequality and instability aren’t just economic issues—they're political and social ones, too. If left unaddressed, they can erode trust in democratic systems and open the door to extremism.

So if we want lasting peace and stability, we need to build fairer economies. Strong social safety nets, inclusive growth, and systems that work for everyone aren’t just nice ideas—they’re essential for keeping democracies healthy and resilient.

 NUMBER  5: THE COST OF WAR

Though war is sadly not a new experience for humanity, the conflict in Ukraine marks a significant moment for Europe. It’s the first major war on the continent since World War II, and it’s unfolding in an age where social media and news outlets are broadcasting every detail. Videos and pictures from the front lines are shared instantly, giving us a front-row seat to the devastation. We can see Ukrainian cities reduced to rubble by Russian bombs and drones. Civilians are suffering in unimaginable numbers, and images of fallen soldiers lying in trenches and on battlefields are all too common.

The psychological and physical scars will last for generations in Ukraine. But the toll doesn’t just affect those living in the warzone—it’s felt across Europe, especially in neighboring countries, where people grow up watching these horrors unfold. And, of course, this isn’t just about Ukraine. The wars in Gaza, Sudan, and other parts of the world are also increasingly visible on social media, and we can see the human cost of these conflicts as well.

World War II brought unparalleled human suffering, and yet it seems we haven't fully learned its lessons. War must always be considered a last resort. We must prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and institutions that can prevent violence before it escalates into something far worse.

Number 6: THE ROLE OF PROPAGANDA AND MEDIA

All sides in WWII used propaganda, but totalitarian regimes took it to another level, perfecting the use of media to control populations and justify violence. By spreading lies, suppressing dissent, and glorifying war, they shaped public perception to align with their agendas. Fast forward to today, and misinformation spreads faster than ever in our digital age. 

State actors now have the power to create troll farms that manipulate algorithms, pushing content that serves their interests. It’s also easier than ever to pay for ads or hire influencers to promote a certain narrative without any clear connection to the source country.

This means people can develop strong biases—sometimes without even realizing it—and be swayed toward the goals of another nation. Russia and China have become particularly adept at this kind of influence. In the West, we’re still playing catch-up, partly due to stricter privacy and security laws.

The key takeaway here is that media literacy, critical thinking, and independent journalism are essential for preserving truth and protecting democracy. In an age where information is so easily manipulated, we must stay vigilant and informed.

CONCLUSION

In reflecting on history, particularly the lessons of World War II, we see that many of the same challenges persist today. Nationalism, unchecked power, technological threats, and misinformation continue to threaten democracy and peace. The war in Ukraine and the rise of authoritarianism remind us of the high cost of ignoring these dangers.

To secure a better future, we must prioritize diplomacy, equality, and truth. Strengthening democratic institutions, fostering international cooperation, and promoting media literacy are essential to ensuring we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. The responsibility to build a more peaceful and just world rests with us all.