The confidence argument is applied to Russia's conduct toward Ukraine as an interpretation of perceived weakness and fear. The historical comparisons then turn to Germany's fear of repeating the humiliation and deprivation associated with the aftermath of the First World War. Japan's entry into the Second World War is linked here to fear for its culture, with Perry's arrival placed at the beginning of a longer history of insecurity. These examples express the explanation being advanced in the talk, without establishing fear as a complete account of any of the conflicts.
Notable Point · 2:43:25-2:45:00
Fear as an interpretation of state aggression
The talk applies its insecurity thesis to Russia, Germany, and Japan as an interpretive explanation of aggression.