How enemy images are created — and how we can keep the path to peace open
In a time of geopolitical tensions and nonstop media crises, a dangerous language has come to dominate our political landscape:
war rhetoric. But how are these narratives produced? Who constructs enemy images — and for what interests?
“Bleibt wachsam!” takes you on a rigorous, unsparing analysis of today’s political communication in Europe
and shows which economic and strategic forces are driving the aggressive course.
The book decodes the mechanics of fear, propaganda, and media framing — and asks about alternatives, too:
Is there still a way back to dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation?
Ideal for: geopolitics enthusiasts • civic education • journalism & media analysis • peace movements
Keywords: war rhetoric • peace policy • geopolitics • EU policy • NATO strategy • rearmament • enemy images • war propaganda • media manipulation • diplomacy • multipolarity
What it’s about
Spot the mechanisms, ask better questions, and imagine alternatives — without being guided by simplistic enemy images.
🧭 Geopolitics made clear
EU, NATO, Ukraine/Russia, BRICS & multipolarity: connections, interests, dynamics — clearly explained.
🧱 Enemy images & narratives
How political communication constructs adversaries — and why fear is often the fastest shortcut to consent.
📰 Media & framing
What “permanent crisis mode” does to the mind: repetition, moral frames, images, guilt — and the slow loss of nuance.
💶 Profits & interests
Who benefits from escalation? Economic interests, rearmament, networks — and the political economy of rhetoric.
🕊️ Peace policy & diplomacy
What options exist beyond escalation: dialogue, negotiations, cooperation — realistically considered.
👥 The role of civil society
Why vigilance doesn’t mean cynicism: how citizens, education, and peace movements can stay capable of action.
Sample
A short taste — voice, perspective, and guiding questions.
Order now
Available from retailers. (May open a new window)
Reviews
“Clear, uncomfortable, and still constructive: if you want to understand how rhetoric makes politics, you should read this.”
— Review / blog
“A precise analysis of enemy images and media frames — with an eye for diplomacy and ways out.”
— Press / magazine
“Great for seminars and reading groups — lots of questions, few cheap answers.”
— Reader
About the author
More background, essays, and books: alterstorheiten.info
FAQ
Short answers to common questions (editable).
Is the book party-political?
The focus is on mechanisms of political communication, interests, and narratives. It’s analysis — not electioneering.
Is it only about Ukraine/Russia?
The conflict is a key reference point, but the book looks wider: EU policy, transatlantic relations, rearmament, and the global shift toward multipolarity.
What does it add beyond daily news?
Instead of isolated headlines, the book shows patterns: framing, enemy images, emotional triggers, economic interests — and how “war readiness” becomes a normalized state.
Does it offer ways out — or only criticism?
Yes. Alongside the critique, alternatives are discussed: diplomacy, de-escalation, dialogue formats, and the role of civil society and peace movements.