In recent months, in response to what appears to be a more aggressive Chinese stance, there has been much loose and foolish talk about the possibility of war. Dunderhead politicians and no-nothings of all stripes have weighed in with as many ignorant comment as I can remember in a long while. Not since the end of the Cold War has there been serious contemplation of a great power conflict the like of which is mooted.

I bring this up because Armistice Day will soon be upon us and it appears that every lesson of that ghastly bloodbath has been lost on the many. I recently re-watched the excellent Apocalypse: WW1, a five-part series that I can highly recommend. The makers have colourised and slowed the frame-rate of original footage to create something like a true experience of the soldiers, civilians and battles that occurred in that lamentable four year period. 

Those who want to beat the drums had best take earnest stock of that conflict and the one that followed hard upon it. Study the causes and consequences. The next, should it occur ( and I pray that it doesn't) will be a pure descent into hell.