due to ir, the study of international relations, war is something that reoccur as a thought rather often. Not just the theories of why we go to war, but also the question is there likely ever to be a war again?

 

In the sense of WW1 and WW2, I believe it is safe to say no. But then again the current wars in Africa, Middle East etc are still wars of men and machines rather than nuclear weapons and chemicals. People are still being trained in how to handle guns, throw bombs and protect our borders. If war was not considered at all likely, this would not be the case. So yes there is a general acceptance of the realist view of state security and survival being somewhat connected to power and military force.

 

I think what I find so difficult with the issue of war, is what the war would actually be about. What would be the reason for war in a world so connected by interdependence? Aliens? A nuclear bomb ruining half of Europe or all of the Usa and thus making the rest motivated to protect their own way of life. Either way I see a world war. I do not see a war at home, anywhere near me. I do not see a threat. I accept the theories of much greater people, and can understand their arguments, but personally I still do not feel threatened. I feel concerned enough by not being able to define the type of war and the type of enemy, to agree that a military force of the state is a sensible thing. But that is about it.

 

I grew up with stories about war. About losses, bombs, cattle trains full of people, working camps, rape, guns, and armies. But it is still very surreal. I can not understand how it must be for a kid who is afraid of stepping on a landmine when walking with the goats, or for a kid who is afraid of being taken as a child soldier on his way to school. If there was a war, I would not even know what to do. What would I be able to do? What do I know that would be of any use? I am not a doctor, not an engineer, not in the military. I am a liablity.

 

War may not be likely to occur in my life, but it has become such an abstract concept that we forget that it actually does still pose a real threat to many others.

Is there such a thing as a perfect day? Maybe its bad luck to talk about them before they are over? Anyway I usually say that there is not even such a thing as perfect, it is all relative. Nonetheless I am having th prefect day!

 

After som early running in the cosy rain and almost slipping on colourful pretty leaves, I get a phone call from my dear "brother" Chris, asking if its ok that he can come around even earlier. Ok no panic, being without makeup, sweaty and in a messy house, I answer "sure where r u now" only to find out he is 5 minutes away. That is just wonderful. So when he arrives I am thrilled to finally see him and flattered of course that he is so keen on seeing me despite only arriving into town at 1 am the night before.

 

After some hours of doing nothing but catching up, we have a nice long walk into town. Ejoying the autumn weather, and the long que at the post office. Anyhow we both had to exchange some money into different currencies,as we both are international in our life style, and walk to NK, swedish equivalent to Harrods. Then after leaving a big red kissing imprint on his cheek, I turn, leaving him happy starring at him self in the mirror of the makeup section. Knowing I will see him later.

 

Time for some heavenly shopping. The mission was underwear, but obviouslt got expanded to include cardigans, a suite, tights, a black dress (you can never have enough of those) and even a tie. Many bags later after a lunch date with a friend, I am back home. The electricity is off in all of my part of town, but that doesnt matter at the time. Instead that is the perfect excuse to read a little, and take a deep breath. Then when I can see that the traffic lights are working again, its time for some time in the sun. Coming out of that bed, I feel just as pale as ever but like the fresh air. The flower shop was the next stop, where they give me the usual discount and are so friendly. Then the computer firm, where I dont have to pay or sign anywhere just point at the external harddrive, and its automatically billed to the family firm. Life is easy.

 

Now I will have a nice bath in the jacqusi, followed by trying my new clothes. Maybe study an hour before its time to make some complicated desert. Dad will cook dinner, and Chris will once again be over to the entire family's joy. When he has left I will probably snuggle up in bed letting my sister scratch my back and I hers, whilst we watch an old Aurdey Hepburn movie. This day is just the way I like them. I know I am lucky.