PUBLISHER: Penguin Random House India
First published in July 2013
There is simply no way to achieve zero tolerance to terrorism in an environment that has high tolerance for every other crime.
“Everyman’s War” is a message. Loud. Direct. Clear.
That we are in some ways responsible for escalating terrorism and war in our sphere as we knowingly or unknowingly contribute to the success of those very channels which proliferate crimes, war and terror. That we remain ignorant, complacent and unwatchful in recognising the far-reaching consequences of each crime that we are surrounded by.
“Everyman’s War” is compilation of essays by Raghu Raman (an expert on terrorism and security) published as a part of the Mint Business Series.
Each essay in the book and each word is carefully planned and thought for. Simple facts. But hard-hitting. Resulting in reflection and new perceptions.
As the book clearly repeats again and again, terror and war is not a border-limited issue anymore. War and terror are imported into our geographies and live side by side with us. The format of war has changed.
Says Raghu Raman, “The format of terrorism is to put your people or inject them inside the location where the attack is going to take place.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPnaPPL5uL8
He is emphatic that we, as citizens, are not victims, but are collectively the frontline troops in the battle against terror.
The chapter, “Can’t afford to Ignore the Enemy at the Gates” focuses on this strongly-as parents and citizens, we are making the mistake of focusing on ‘our sphere of interest’ rather than our ‘sphere of influence’. The writer emphasizes strongly on not ignoring the enemy at the gates- we need to concentrate on basic security measures at home, at work, trying to improve the behaviours of our surroundings, leading to a healthier society, and maybe wistfully, healthier minds, and a safer world.
And the gravest effect, as the author rightly points out is the diversion of resources from development into security, which is so very detrimental to progress and growth.
While laying out his theories, he has differentiated between fight, conflict and war.
Fighting is a much baser instinct hardwired in our primordial brain.
Conflict is a mental and physical state where two different instincts are chosen depending on the situation.
War, on the other hand is a planned and coordinated form of theft that originated about 10,000 years ago.
The Chapter, Demons and Angels gives rise to self-introspection and self-thought. Humans can inflict terrible cruelty or be incredibly selfless-society needs to choose the right role model.
It is the last chapter which I really loved. ‘We Need a Hero to Fix the Mess’- And if we want to-we all can be one. All it takes is to get involved. Hope. Determination. Action.
#bookreview #review #nonfiction #security #strategy
Preeta Chag 