The more things change...

"A people living under ⁽²⁾ the perpetual menace of war ⁽²⁾ and invasion ⁽²⁾ is very easy to govern. It demands no social reforms ^{(2) (3) (4)} . It does not haggle over expenditures on armaments and military equipment ^{(2) (3) (4)} . It pays ^{(2) (3) (4)} without discussion ^{(2) (3) (4)} , it ruins itself ^{(2) (3)} , and that is an excellent thing for the syndicates ^{(b) (2a) (2b) (2c) (...)} of financiers and manufacturers for whom patriotic terrors are an abundant source of gain. "

-- Anatole France, 1844-1924