Barbarian Frame for Modern Wars

Political leaders and publics increasingly use an 'us vs. barbarian' literary frame to interpret foreign interventions, turning complex conflicts into existential theatre. That frame both simplifies policy debate and legitimates spectacle, accelerated military spending, and emergency governance. — If this framing spreads, it will normalize militarized policymaking and political performance during crises, shaping public tolerance for long wars, refugee controls, and increased defense budgets.