Clifford Lincoln: Men keep waging war. It’s high time for more women to lead the world

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I am convinced on whatever continent we happen to live, and whatever our condition in life, the large majority of us yearn to enjoy our days and years in peace.

Yet, sadly, conflict and war rage in every corner of the world in one form or another, obliterating human life and stifling the human condition. Whether in Ukraine or the Middle East, in Sudan or in Myanmar, or wherever else — whether it stems from this autocratic regime or that dictatorial rule — this is the inescapable result to war: It kills and maims and destroys everyone and everything in its path. It leaves nothing but death, misery, wanton destruction and the collective despair that endures into the generations. Wars and warfare are senseless and horrible, and an implacable indictment on those who create and wage them.

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This is a time when countless millions keep migrating in search of a normal life, away from the constant strife, malnutrition, injustice and inequality that are their fate in unsustainable and often corrupt countries, unable to provide them with the basic necessities of life. Yet these countries, though unable to care for the intense suffering of their citizens, somehow find a way to acquire planes, tanks and other implements of war. Food, water and other essentials of life cannot be provided, but mortars, missiles and rockets are readily available.

Across the continents, autocracy and dictatorship continue to spread their wings of illiberalism and, in several cases, violent conflict and war. And to justify the killings of innocents and ubiquitous destruction, there’s always that most cynical euphemism invented by clever military PR experts: “collateral damage.”

Collateral damage! As if it excuses the violent extinction of even one innocent human life, let alone thousands, including the disproportionate number of children and the most vulnerable.

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Reliable statistics from the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and other credible sources, place the number of civilian deaths from the Second World War at a staggering 45 million. But it seems as a world community, we have not been moved enough to prevent a substantial number of innocent deaths since then. It is estimated more than 4 million civilians have been killed post-9/11 in military operations and conflicts in various countries, not including current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

According to United Nations estimates, for every combatant killed, as many as nine civilians lose their lives. Indeed, war is neither equitable nor excusable. The Watson Institute goes on to point out many more people die not only from direct violence, but also from destroyed infrastructure, as well as deteriorating health conditions caused by malnutrition or other vulnerabilities to disease. We also should not ignore the staggering effect on survivors and their families, and their immense challenges in resuming normal living.

It is striking since the Second World War, barring a rare exception such as Margaret Thatcher and the brief Falklands War, one common denominator links those involved in conflicts and wars around the globe: they happen to be men. Men frequently suffused with their own inflated importance and oversized egos, relishing their sense of machismo, and ready to justify death and destruction.

Politics has given me the opportunity of experiencing from up close the selfless dedication of leading women toward the human cause and the common good, their example having left a deep imprint. Among them: Norwegian politician Gro Harlem Brundtland, a force behind the 1987 publication Our Common Future; Angela Merkel as a young environment minister of talent and humility; Liz Dowdeswell, the first Canadian to lead a UN program.

We live with too many conflicts, too many wars and too many men in charge. It seems to me that women are inherently and deeply caring of human life, while seeking a peaceful life and peaceful solutions. It is high time to give them their turn, and their opportunity.

Clifford Lincoln is a former Quebec Liberal MNA and federal Liberal MP who retired from politics in 2004. He lives in Baie-D’Urfé.

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