Politics leveraging linguistic tactics for strategic advantage
The United States President, Donald Trump, has signed a decree restoring the Department of Defense to its pre-World War II name, the Department of War. This change, which needs approval from the U.S. Congress to become official, has significant consequences for the future of the international order.
The shift towards brute force as the primary response to threats is symbolized by this change. The "War" Secretary, Pete Hegseth, appointed by President Trump, has endorsed the new concept, stating a focus on "maximum lethality" and "violent impact."
The use of "war" over "peace" signifies a dangerous and outdated worldview, according to many. They argue that this change represents a regression in American strategic thinking, a return to the days when aggression and conflict were the norm.
Trump, however, rejects the term "defense" and embraces "war" because he finds it more appealing. His actions suggest a duality between his professed pacifist ambitions and his concrete actions, which appear to be driven by force demonstration and intimidation.
The decision could have significant geostrategic implications, potentially encouraging other nations to adopt similar rhetoric and complicating disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, three entrepreneurs are proposing innovative solutions to textile waste with the aim of creating a textile recycling industry. Their efforts could revolutionize the fashion industry and reduce environmental impact.
Elsewhere, STM and Mayor Valerie Plante unveiled the names of the future stations on the blue metro line on Tuesday. The unveiling was a significant step in the development of the city's public transportation system.
In other news, a letter written to Epstein and attributed to Trump has been made public. The White House has again denied that the American president was the author of the letter.
Finally, Le Devoir has published an editorial reflecting the values and position of the newspaper as defined by its director in collegiality with the editorial team. The editorial criticises the shift towards war and calls for a return to a more peaceful and diplomatic approach in foreign policy.
