War: The Ultimate Diversion

Guy de Lusignan: Give me a war.
Reynald de Chatillon: That is what I do.
--Kingdom of Heaven

Politicians understand the value of diversions. The more significant the action that requires cover, the larger the necessary diversion.

Few diversions are larger than war. War diverts attention toward an external 'enemy.' Moreover, war entices a spirit of nationalism, where people come together and rally 'round the flag.

Wars have been famous political tools since civilization began. In the US, there is reason to believe that Lincoln, Wilson, and FDR (among others) facilitated wars to advance their political agendas.

Indeed, a perverse lesson that hardcore policymakers likely derive from studying the Great Depression is that war is a fine way to jump start an economy--provided the war is won, of course. Sadly, even some economists have suggested that economic growth is tied to war.

The more this administration struggles with economic malaise and other problems, chances of war go up.