Decades ago, Professor Robert Pape had a clear vision of the Iranian disaster, and he warned against the escalation trap into which President Trump is falling.......
There is a strong selective process that results in certain kinds of men and women coming to power— a selective process that favors aggressiveness, self-assertiveness, and high confidence. Unless these qualities are tempered by conscientiousness, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility to others, such leaders are susceptible to falling into the Escalation Trap that Professor Pape describes.
It’s also a tragic feature of the human condition that those rare individuals who learn from the mistakes of the past and achieve wisdom are often unable to impart their wisdom to younger generations. This results in mankind making the same mistakes over and over again.
This is what Schopenhauer meant when he described “the Will” as a blind force in human affairs that is unconstrained by reason and prudence. As the Joker says in the 2008 film Batman Dark Knight.
Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just… do things.
Those interested in learning more about Professor Robert Pape’s reflections on the Escalation Trap should check out the following recent interview.