No surprises, war and negotiations are always against demons

In the realm of war and negotiations, we often find ourselves battling against perceived demons. History is replete with examples where the adversary in a conflict is dehumanized, depicted as subhuman or even demonic. This portrayal strips the opponent of their humanity, reducing them to a caricature devoid of a complex background or understandable motivations. For instance, biblical narratives paint some enemies as irredeemably evil, necessitating their destruction.

This dehumanization isn't limited to ancient texts. Through propaganda or natural psychological processes, the enemy is often stripped of their humanity. In World War II, for example, the Germans labeled not only Jews but also Polish farmers on their eastern borders as 'Untermenschen' or subhumans. This dehumanization allows for atrocities to be committed without the moral burden of having harmed a fellow human. Instead, the enemy is 'exterminated' like pests, circumventing any pangs of conscience.

However, this view is a dangerous oversimplification. Most people in conflict situations easily fall into this trap, but it's far from the truth that the other side is less human. Recognizing the humanity in an opponent, even if they are criminal, is challenging, many times impossible. It requires a complex understanding that might make us hesitate, fearing it could weaken our resolve or even slow our reactions.

We shouldn't be surprised or afraid if the other side views us as devils or animals. It's a natural course of human psychology in war. Acknowledging this can be the first step in breaking the cycle of dehumanization that perpetuates conflict.