Honestly, it’s something that I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately—how we, as ordinary people, often find ourselves in arguments over things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. We’re caught in this cycle of dividing ourselves into realists vs. idealists, left vs. right, conservatives vs. progressives, and a million other divisions. But who really benefits from this? The more I think about it, the more I realise the truth that’s been staring us in the face: it’s those in power who profit from our division.
Here’s the thing. We can sit here and talk about values, about ideals, about what’s “right” and “wrong,” but when it comes down to the real game of geopolitics, values take a backseat. Morals often go out the window when survival is on the line. We don’t need to look too far back in history to see that. The people who control power, money, and influence are the ones who get to make the rules—and in most cases, they don't care about the ideologies we’re fighting for. They just care about keeping the system in place that keeps them at the top.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I get it. We’re all passionate about what we believe in. There’s this deep, innate desire to be heard and understood. But when we split into these factions, we’re playing right into the hands of those at the top.
Think about it: politicians, corporations, and even military-industrial complexes thrive when we’re distracted. The more we argue with each other about morality, the less we question who benefits from the status quo. While we debate whether diplomacy is the solution or power politics is the answer, the real architects of global policy keep on moving the pieces on their chessboard. And guess what? They’re not concerned about whether we’re morally right; they care about their agenda.
What really blows my mind is how those at the top have managed to divide us so easily, by making us think that it’s all about ‘our side’ vs. ‘the other side.’ Whether it’s in the context of international politics or even domestic issues, the divide is growing. We’re no longer just debating differences in opinion—we’re fighting for our very identities. Realists argue that power and influence drive the world, while idealists argue that the world should be governed by principles and values. And here’s the catch: both sides have a point, but they’re both being used. The more we fight, the more power those in control gain.
So, let’s talk about the real beneficiaries of all this division. It’s the ones who manipulate public opinion, the ones who hold power and want to keep us distracted, fighting amongst ourselves, while they get away with their real agendas. They can sit back and let us bicker over whether one approach to geopolitics is more “moral” than another, all while they keep pushing their agendas through backdoor deals and under-the-radar negotiations.
This brings me to a critical point that we often overlook: real geopolitics isn’t about saving the world or following a moral compass. It’s about survival, influence, and control. It’s about who can gather enough power to impose their will on others. The more we focus on what’s “right” and “just,” the more we forget that real power doesn’t care about our principles.
When we look at global conflicts, we’re not looking at two sides fighting for some abstract moral high ground. We’re watching two groups—or sometimes more—fighting to maintain or gain power. The situation in any international conflict boils down to this: who holds the cards, who has the leverage, and who can walk away with the most advantages?
For example, the major powers today—be it the US, Russia, or China—are always manoeuvring for influence. They might preach peace or human rights, but at the end of the day, it’s the countries that can project power that get their way. Look at the way global institutions like the UN function. We like to think they’re about promoting fairness and equality, but who’s really calling the shots? The same countries that have the most influence and military might.
It’s all a game. A dangerous game that we often don’t even realise we’re part of. The more we argue about the small stuff—the “what’s right” and “what’s wrong”—the less we realise that the bigger game is happening right under our noses. And the people at the top, the ones who don’t have to fight on the ground, they just sit back and watch the show.
I know this sounds bleak, but it’s important to realise that this is the truth we often miss. When we get stuck in this divide between idealism and realism, we forget that the people controlling the game don’t care about our morals. They care about power. So, what does that mean for us? It means that we need to start questioning the game itself. The more we stay divided, the more we lose the chance to actually make a difference. If we want to challenge the system, we need to stop letting ourselves be divided by ideologies that ultimately don’t serve us.
In the end, the real question we need to ask ourselves isn’t whether we’re right or wrong, but rather, who is benefiting from our division—and how can we start shifting that balance of power?
With love, S.