Every year in May, debates resurface over which countries contributed most to the defeat of fascism. This year, the U.S. president added fuel to the fire by designating May 8th a national holiday and declaring that the United States won World War II. I have something to say on this matter.
Victory is not measured by exertion.
Victory is not measured by the number of deaths.
Victory is not measured by square kilometers of territory.
Victory is not measured by the duration of suffering.
Victory is measured by the balance of gains and losses — and by the prospects that follow.
What did the country gain? What did it lose? What are the real, not declared, outcomes?
Did its opportunities expand? Did it become freer, safer, more competitive? Or did victory entrench its vulnerabilities?
Did history come to a halt, or did it merely start the countdown to the next conflict?
Did the internal system grow more resilient? Did institutions strengthen — or did war merely legitimize violence and arbitrariness? ■