The state is comprised of people and fictions. It is a fragile thing.
For this reason, authoritarians must first and foremost put forth an *image* of a strong state, because if the fictions--borders, nationality, the connection between state violence and justice--all are revealed for what they truly are, the people defect, and that's that.
Aaron
in reply to Aaron • • •When the state barks the loudest, it it then that it is truly at its weakest. A state whose foundations fictions are in good shape does not need to pontificate and perform, illustrating their pretend-strength, like an insect flashing its wings so it does not get eaten.
The western nation states are weak. The fictions that underpin their dominance are currently in hospice. As such, they will get very violent, and then they will fall.
Aaron
in reply to Aaron • • •Aaron
in reply to Aaron • • •A border does not exist except in the minds of those who have accepted it as truth, without questioning. A border is not different from a national identity: a falsity, but an important one if you're trying to pit one group against another so you can stay in power.
Don't fall for it.