Militant body language
On intemperate remarks, dark alleys, and the signals sent by troop deployments
Even novices to the finer details of body language know how to recognize someone walking with an air of confidence: Broad strides, shoulders back, spine upright and straight. An erect posture takes up more space than a hunched or slouching one, and that space-filling is one among many cues that say to potential attackers “Go find an easier target”. Merely making an intentional choice about how to look has at least some deterrent effect on would-be wrongdoers.
■ The force posture of a country isn’t a perfect analog to how one walks down a darkened street at night, it’s not really that far different. Walking with confidence is a way to dare others to put up or shut up.
■ Due to some intemperate remarks by Germany’s chancellor, the Pentagon has decided to remove 5,000 troops from German soil within a year. It’s not a strategic plan; it’s a political reaction.
■ The right number of troops to have in Germany may be more or less than the number there right now. But as a matter of body language, a withdrawal right now -- with Russia shamelessly menacing the European continent -- looks like slouching. It may not exactly represent an invitation to trouble, but it definitely doesn’t look like an energetic display of confidence.