In 1969, the police in Montreal went on strike. The politicians at all three levels of government assumed that Montrealers were peace-loving people and would not resort to doing bad things until the strike was settled. At least 98% of people abided by normal rules. But 2% did not. They turned the city into chaos--within hours of the police walking off.

In a like manner, life in New Orleans immediately after Katrina left was chaotic. Survival depended on banding with other people, who hopefully had a gun or two to scare away the 2%.

In a world of no enforcement of rules, the 2% will escalate conflict because they have the skills/power/attitude for this kind of society. They see no value in taking "de-escalation training."

This same attitude works locally and internationally.

Yes, we need a better approach. In the meantime, we have to deal with the 2%.

I have an article in the works about the psyche of the Russian people. Surrendering Ukraine to the Russians will not solve much in the short term.