Confidence Is Not a Strategy

If confidence alone could win wars, Germany’s fate might have looked very different.

Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel Began by congratulating the newly appointed Führer before

admitting that Germany was , in her own words, “highkey cooked.” It was a surprisingly candid assessment of the nation’s position. Yet moments later, the tone shifted from realism to optimism.

When questioned about the clarity of the delegate’s speech, the response was simple:

“It’s called being positive”

Optimism is admirable, but clarity is essential, especially when a nation is fighting for its survival. Throughout the session, it became increasingly difficult to identify exactly what the delegate’s position was. At times, the arguments seemed to shift so frequently that even the committee struggled to follow the overall strategy.

The proposed solution was equally ambitious: Germany should simply join forces with Japan because, after all, “all is well.” The committee quickly pointed out the obvious obstacle– Soviet forces were advancing through the very route that would make such cooperation nearly impossible.

The response?

“My geography is not good.”

For a committee debating military strategy, it was perhaps the most unexpected admission of the day.

The exchange perfectly captured the sessions' biggest weakness. Confidence repeatedly took centre stage, while practical planning, well, took a backseat.

Prénjuhl Jenn,

Politico Europe