Introduction
“What do a fantasy demon queen, a summoned realist, and star‐crossed warriors reveal about a modern war?”
On the surface, the worlds of Maoyuu Maou Yuusha, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, and Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World couldn’t be further from the 21st‐century battlefields of Eastern Europe. Yet these narratives brim with real‐world parallels — from the cold logic of war economies and Machiavellian statecraft to the power of ideological propaganda and the eerie psychology of conflict “boredom.” This article examines how these anime storylines echo the economic, political, ideological, and strategic motivations behind Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
We explore war as an economic engine, leadership through realpolitik, perpetual conflict fueled by ideology, and even the unsettling notion that too much peace might induce a state’s leadership to seek conflict. By weaving together insights from anime, history, philosophy, and contemporary political analysis, we aim to uncover “insights you didn’t ask for but could always use” — offering a fresh lens on modern conflict from unexpected sources. At the heart of our discussion are several key themes: economics (how war can enrich or destabilize nations), realpolitik (pragmatic power plays and statecraft), ideological narratives (the stories leaders use to justify conflict), leadership strategy (from demon queens to presidents), and the unintended consequences of military adventures.
Before we proceed, consider the core elements: war as a market mechanism, the careful balancing act of internal reform versus external aggression, the destructive power of manufactured narratives, and even the possibility that a nation may grow restless in peace. Voltaire once quipped,
“All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
In other words, war often cloaks itself in grand sound and fury to appear righteous. Through the 3 anime analogues, we peel back that trumpet-blare to reveal the economic interests, political calculations, ideological fervor, and human quirks that propel modern conflicts — including Putin’s war in Ukraine.[1][3]
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha: War Economy, Conflict Incentives, and Economic Realities
Official Theatrical Maoyuu Maou Yuusha Poster (Streaming on Crunchyroll since Winter 2013)
In Maoyuu Maou Yuusha (also known as “Archenemy and Hero”) (trailer 2), the anticipated climactic clash between a hero and a Demon King is subverted when the demon — revealed to be a Demon Queen — instead disarms him with a startling economic insight. The human and demon realms are locked in a war they can’t afford to end. As one commentator notes,
“neither side can let the war end because it will lead to economic ruin.”[33]
War, in this narrative, is not merely a clash of swords and sorcery; it is an economic engine that sustains employment, production, alliances, and even the legitimacy of rulers. Peacetime, without systemic reform, would precipitate unemployment, famine, and instability.
This scenario carries striking parallels to real-world conflicts. The Demon Queen argues that abruptly ending the war would collapse the human kingdoms’ economy — an idea that resonates with historical examples such as the role of war in pulling economies out of recession.[10] In a grim echo of President Eisenhower’s warnings about the military-industrial complex, Maoyuu dramatizes the notion that entrenched interests may prefer the continuance of conflict if it secures their economic and political power.
However, while the anime depicts an economy in which endless war sustains merchants and nobles (and, by extension, the state apparatus), modern realities are more complex. In the case of Putin’s Russia, the situation prior to the Ukraine invasion was not one of outright recession but of stagnation amid sanctions and discontent. Although certain sectors — especially defense and energy — benefited from military spending, the overall economic impact has been largely negative. For instance, Russia’s GDP contracted by approximately 2.1% in 2022, and the country has battled high inflation and soaring interest rates as Western sanctions took their toll.[7][11] At the same time, some economic indicators have shown resilience beyond early forecasts, suggesting that while certain elite groups prosper, the broader economy there faces structural challenges.
The lesson from Maoyuu is twofold. First, war can create powerful vested interests; the anime’s Church and aristocracy oppose peace because the war sustains their authority and income. Similarly, in Putin’s Russia, a cadre of siloviki, oligarchs, and state enterprises have emerged as beneficiaries of the prolonged conflict.[4] Second, the anime hints that sustainable peace requires not only ending hostilities but also undertaking deep structural reforms — a truth as applicable today as it was in the fantastical realm of Maoyuu.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom: Pragmatic Leadership, Realpolitik, and the Foils of Governance
Official Theatrical How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Posters (Streaming on Crunchyroll since Summer 2021 & Winter 2022)
When 19-year-old Kazuya Souma is summoned to rule a beleaguered fantasy kingdom in How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, he eschews conventional martial valor in favor of administrative reforms, economic plans, and Machiavellian tactics. Souma, who openly admires Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, embarks on a quest to strengthen internal stability — addressing hunger, reforming agriculture, streamlining bureaucracy, and curbing corruption — before considering any expansionist moves. In this narrative, war is not an end in itself but a tool to be wielded only after the foundations of state power are secure.
The contrast between Souma and Vladimir Putin is instructive. Putin, often characterized in popular discourse as a Machiavellian strategist, does share certain traits with the anime’s pragmatic hero — both leaders emerged from chaos and prioritized internal consolidation. However, it is crucial to temper the portrayal of Putin as purely Machiavellian. His leadership style is multifaceted, blending directive, charismatic, and pseudotransformational elements to maintain control over Russia.[2][14] In contrast, Souma is depicted as a benevolent realist whose ultimate aim is the welfare of his citizens. Souma’s policies and reforms are designed to create a stable, just, and prosperous society — a stark foil to Putin’s malevolent consolidation of power, where expansionism and suppression of dissent serve to bolster the Putin regime’s grip.
Souma’s initial focus on feeding his people and resolving fiscal crises mirrors Putin’s early years as president, when he faced the tumult of a post-Soviet state. Putin’s early administration worked to centralize authority, tame unruly oligarchs, and rein in separatist regions like Chechnya — much like Souma’s efforts to stabilize his newly inherited kingdom. Yet while Souma’s actions are framed as tough but ultimately benevolent, Putin’s maneuvers have often been accompanied by significant human costs, including violent repression and widespread censorship.[2][20]
When dissent surfaces in Realist Hero, Souma meets it with a combination of clemency and decisive force — the “One Week War” being a prime example, where a faction of rebellious nobles is swiftly and resolutely subdued. This act is emblematic of realpolitik in its most efficient form: internal stability is the precursor to any confident external engagement. Putin’s response to domestic challenges has, in some respects, followed a similar trajectory; however, his strategies have frequently been more ruthless, relying on a mix of overt repression and covert manipulation.[2][17]
Another significant point of comparison is the balance between internal development and external expansion. In Realist Hero, once stability is achieved, Souma does not immediately embark on conquest. Instead, he opts for a cautious blend of diplomacy, alliance-building (even through symbolic gestures such as arranged marriages), and measured military action. In the real world, Putin similarly delayed overt expansionism until his hold on power was relatively secure — first demonstrated by the 2008 war in Georgia, then the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and later the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Yet while Souma’s expansion is portrayed as an extension of benevolent statecraft, Putin’s actions have come to be seen as aggressive, self-serving, and deeply damaging to international order.[2][14][17]
It is in these contrasts — benevolent reform versus ruthless power consolidation — that the two figures serve as narrative foils. Souma’s policies, aimed at unifying and bettering his kingdom, suggest that true strength lies in good governance and a commitment to the welfare of one’s people. Putin, on the other hand, has often pursued policies that deepen social divisions and isolate Russia internationally, ultimately harming the very citizens he claims to protect. [2][14]
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World: Ideological Conflict, Propaganda, and the Weaponization of Narratives
Official Theatrical Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Posters (Streaming on Crunchyroll since Fall 2020 & Summer 2024)
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World (trailer 2, trailer 3) presents a tale of two superpowers — a high-tech Empire and a magical Sovereignty — engaged in a seemingly perpetual war fueled by ideological narratives. Both sides have constructed historical accounts that cast the other as an existential threat. Amid this, the star-crossed protagonists, Iska and Aliceliese, glimpse the possibility of peace even as entrenched propaganda keeps the war machine humming.
This narrative mirrors the modern disinformation campaigns that have accompanied the conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s regime has not only relied on military might but has also been adept at weaponizing historical narratives and propaganda. Russian state media, for instance, has repeatedly depicted Ukrainian authorities as neo-Nazis or fascists, thereby creating an ideological justification for aggression. This propaganda, effective especially within Russia and parts of the Global South, has helped consolidate domestic support within Russia— even as Western societies increasingly recognize and counter these falsehoods.[3][15][18][24]
Yet the ideological contest is not one-sided. While Russian disinformation has proven potent on its home soil, Ukraine has developed its own counter-narratives, drawing on a long history of resisting imperial domination. Ukrainians have reasserted their national identity in defiance of attempts to portray them as mere extensions of Russian history. Moreover, the international community has rallied to combat disinformation, highlighting how modern information warfare is a battleground in its own right.[3][15][18][22]
In Our Last Crusade, the narrative of a manufactured, perpetual crusade is laid bare by a cabal of elites — known as the Eight Great Apostles — who manipulate events to ensure the war never ends. Their deliberate fabrication of historical atrocities to sustain hatred serves as a cautionary mirror to the real world, where similar techniques are employed to manufacture consent for war. Putin’s rhetoric — couched in terms such as “denazification” and the defense of the “Russian world” — parallels these fictional narratives, serving to obscure the underlying motives of territorial expansion and economic control.[3][24][31]
The key insight from both the anime and real-world analysis is that ideological conflicts can persist long after the original causes have faded. In the anime, generations grow up with a fixed narrative of enmity, while in Ukraine, the repeated invocation of historical grievances and fabricated threats has only hardened national resolve. The irony is stark: while both sides could potentially benefit from peace and mutual recognition of shared humanity, the power of propaganda ensures that the war continues.[3][15][21][22]
Furthermore, the comparison underlines how disinformation in Russia has achieved varying levels of success. Whereas Western audiences remain skeptical of Putin’s narrative, many within Russia — and indeed in certain parts of the Global South — continue to be influenced by it. This divergence in perception underscores the importance of countering false narratives with verified facts and robust international communication strategies.[6][18][24]
The “Boredom Theory” of War: Rhetoric, Psychology, and the Allure of Conflict
Made with image generator pro by pulsr.co.uk
One of the most provocative elements of the current conflict has been Vladimir Putin’s offhand remark about boredom in times of peace. In December 2024, Putin stated that
“When everything is calm, measured, stable, we are bored… this is when everyone wants action.” He continued with a mocking observation that “as soon as action starts… we are scared… What a horror,” before downplaying the terror by adding, “Well, it’s not that horror. Not horror-horror.”
These comments have often been cited as evidence of a “boredom theory” of war — a suggestion that a state might be driven to conflict simply to break the monotony of peace.[1][32]
However, it is important to present these remarks cautiously. While Putin’s words are indeed striking, interpreting them as a primary, genuine psychological motivation for war risks oversimplification. Instead, they may well be a rhetorical device — part of a broader narrative intended to project confidence or to diminish the apparent gravity of the conflict. In this light, the “boredom theory” should be seen as one element among many in Putin’s justification for military action, rather than as the core driver.[1]
Philosophers from Voltaire to Kant have long debated the nature of conflict and the human aversion to stagnation. While some historical figures have suggested that prolonged peace might breed complacency or even restlessness, modern strategic analysis tends to emphasize a complex interplay of economic, political, and ideological factors rather than a simple craving for conflict. Putin’s taunting quip, may be well understood as an expression of rhetorical bravado than a literal admission of psychological predisposition,[1][32] but whose to say there’s isn’t any truth to that seemingly inadvertent confession?
At the same time, the idea that conflict offers a perverse sense of purpose is not entirely foreign to human history. In Maoyuu, the constant state of warfare gives structure and meaning to a society that might otherwise descend into chaos, while in Our Last Crusade the war becomes an almost sacred duty. In real life, the costs of war — in terms of human lives, economic disruption, and social division —are devastatingly clear. War is not a game to be played when bored, but a harsh reality with grave consequences. While Putin’s remarks might capture a facet of the national mood in a deeply isolated regime, and should be treated as part of an elaborate narrative toolkit rather than sincere strategic calculus[1], the possibility of it being partly true should not be overlooked. As, there’s always a tiny hint of truth in any lie.
Economic Winners and Losers: Revisiting the War Economy
Made with image generator pro by pulsr.co.uk
A recurring theme in both anime and reality is the identification of economic winners and losers in wartime. In Maoyuu, the continuation of war is shown to benefit merchants, nobles, and military-industrial interests while keeping common folk too preoccupied to revolt. In the modern context, while some sectors of Russia’s economy — such as defense and energy — have indeed seen temporary gains, the overall picture is far grimmer. Western sanctions have imposed severe economic pain on Russia, contributing to a contraction of GDP (by about 2.1% in 2022), along with rampant inflation and rising interest rates.[7][11][16]
At the same time, there is evidence that some Russian businesspeople have prospered despite these challenges. For example, recent analyses indicate that several Forbes-listed Russian billionaires have benefited from the war, particularly in domestic retail and agriculture sectors.[10] Yet these isolated successes stand in stark contrast to the broader economic isolation and long-term structural damage inflicted by sanctions. The reality is that while certain economic actors may profit from conflict, the overall economy suffers — a point underscored by the cyclical nature of war economies depicted in Maoyuu. This dichotomy is central to understanding how wars can create perverse incentives for political elites who benefit from continued conflict, even as the general population bears the costs.[8][16][28]
This perspective serves as a cautionary note: while the narrative allure of a war economy might seem compelling in fiction, in the real world, prolonged conflict ultimately undermines sustainable economic development. Breaking the cycle of dependence on military spending requires not only an end to hostilities but also a committed effort to undertake broad-based economic reforms — a lesson as relevant to Putin’s Russia as it is to the kingdoms of fantasy.[8][16]
Unintended Consequences of War
No war in modern memory has unfolded exactly according to plan. Leaders may embark on military adventures with confident, even dogmatic, motivations — whether economic gain, security, ideological glory, or even a desire to escape the ennui of peace — but once unleashed, war invariably produces unintended consequences. Helmuth von Moltke famously observed,
“No plan survives first contact with the enemy,”
a sentiment echoed by Clausewitz’s notion of friction: the myriad unpredictable factors that make war’s outcomes uncontrollable.[16]
In Maoyuu, even the wise Demon Queen finds that her push for peace inadvertently triggers resistance from entrenched interests, nearly derailing her carefully laid plans. In Realist Hero, Souma underestimates the administrative and cultural challenges of governing newly annexed territories. And in Our Last Crusade, the manipulative cabal of elites inadvertently sows the seeds of their own downfall as their endless war becomes self-perpetuating. These fictional portrayals offer timeless lessons: the architects of war often become its unwilling victims.
For Putin, the unintended consequences of the Ukraine invasion have been profound. Rather than a swift, decisive victory, the war has devolved into a protracted quagmire that has revitalized NATO, deepened Russia’s international isolation, and severely undermined its military prestige. As sanctions continue to squeeze Russia’s economy and domestic discontent simmers — exemplified by episodes such as the short-lived mutiny of the Wagner mercenary group — Putin’s grand strategy appears to be unraveling in ways he never anticipated.[4][10][25][26]
Furthermore, the global repercussions of the conflict have been immense. Energy and food supply shocks have rippled across continents, prompting Europe to accelerate its transition away from Russian gas and forcing many nations to confront the vulnerabilities of global supply chains.[7][28] The economic realignment — while beneficial to some sectors — has left Russia grappling with the loss of longstanding trade relationships and market influence. This is a classic example of a strategic own-goal (when a strategic plan backfires and ends up resulting in an unexpected loss): by weaponizing energy and engaging in reckless expansionism, Russia has catalyzed a permanent shift in the global economic order.[8][28]
Domestically, the war’s miscalculations have also led to significant political fallout. Putin’s initial expectation that a rapid victory would consolidate his legacy has been undermined by mounting opposition, both within Russia and on the international stage. The reliance on rigid, preordained plans — and the failure to adapt to the “fog of war” — has not only magnified Russia’s military and economic vulnerabilities but also exposed the inherent dangers of authoritarian inflexibility.[4][16][26]
Thus, while the anime narratives vividly illustrate how war can be a double-edged sword — creating winners in the short term but sowing the seeds of long-term instability — the real-world application is even starker. Leaders like Putin risk not only their strategic objectives, but also the very stability of the societies they govern when unintended consequences spiral beyond control.[4][25][26]
Conclusion: Reflections on Fiction, Fact, and the Future of Conflict
Fiction and reality, imagination and history, appear at first to traverse separate realms. Yet, as we have seen through the war economies of Maoyuu Maou Yuusha, the pragmatic statecraft of How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, and the ideologically charged landscapes of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, there is a striking convergence between fantasy narratives and the motivations behind modern conflicts like Putin’s war in Ukraine.
In Maoyuu, economic interests drive a conflict that both sustains and imperils society — a grim mirror to the realities of Russia’s defense spending and the negative overall impact of sanctions on its economy, despite isolated pockets of resilience.[7][10][11] Realist Hero offers an optimistic counterpoint in the figure of Souma, a benevolent realist whose focus on internal reform and judicious use of military power contrasts sharply with Putin’s multifaceted, yet ultimately malevolent, approach to leadership. Whereas Souma’s actions are driven by a commitment to his people’s well-being, Putin’s strategy — while incorporating elements of directive, charismatic, and even pseudotransformational leadership — has too often been defined by aggressive expansionism and the suppression of dissent.[2][14][17]
Meanwhile, Our Last Crusade highlights the role of ideology and propaganda in perpetuating conflict. Both in the anime and in modern Russia, historical narratives and manufactured enemy images serve as powerful tools to justify prolonged warfare. Yet while the anime’s conflict is sustained by manipulative elites who eventually overreach, Putin’s regime has, through a sophisticated disinformation campaign, managed to secure domestic support — even as Ukraine crafts its own counter-narratives and the international community rallies to expose falsehoods.[3][15][18][22]
Even the so-called “boredom theory” of war finds a place in this analysis. Putin’s offhand remarks about the ennui of peace reveals a facet of authoritarian rhetoric that may reflect part of a broader strategy designed to downplay the inherent risks of conflict[1][32], but the possibility of it being a sincere admission of psychological need shouldn’t be completely disregarded. In both fiction and reality, however, the allure of conflict — whether as a means of economic stimulation, political consolidation, or ideological mobilization — remains a potent force that can trap societies in cycles of violence.
Perhaps the most enduring lesson is that war is a multidimensional phenomenon. It is not merely a contest of military might but a complex interplay of economic incentives, leadership styles, ideological narratives, and unforeseen consequences. The anime narratives remind us that while conflict may provide temporary order and purpose, its ultimate costs — economic ruin, human suffering, and political instability — are incalculable. Leaders, whether benevolent like Souma or malevolent like Putin, risk becoming victims of their own grand strategies when they fail to adapt to the unpredictable nature of war.[4][25][26]
In a world increasingly defined by rapid technological change and global interconnectedness, the stakes have never been higher. As we watch the tragedy in Ukraine unfold, the imperative to learn from both history and fiction grows ever more urgent. Whether it is through reforming war-torn economies, embracing a more humane model of leadership, or countering destructive ideologies with truthful narratives, the future of conflict — and peace — will depend on our willingness to confront the full spectrum of its causes and consequences.
If Putin had an anime on his shelf (one never knows), perhaps Maoyuu Maou Yuusha would have warned him that seizing economic “breadbaskets” can backfire if it sows dragon’s teeth in the process. Perhaps Realist Hero would have reminded him that true strength comes from effective, benevolent governance rather than ruthless conquest. And perhaps Our Last Crusade would have shown him that a war built on manufactured myths and endless propaganda is doomed to perpetuate conflict rather than achieve lasting peace.
Ultimately, fiction can inspire real change by offering new lenses through which to view old problems. As we grapple with the multifaceted tragedy in Ukraine, let us hope that both leaders and citizens find the courage to choose wisdom over folly, to recognize that peace — however “boring” it might seem — is the fertile canvas on which genuine prosperity and creativity are painted. In the grand narrative of international relations, every actor has a role to play. Will the next chapter be one of reconciliation and rebuilding, or will it be marked by prolonged conflict and regret? The pen, indeed mightier than the sword, remains in our hands.
In an age defined by drones and digital propaganda, sanctions and statecraft, the timeless truths endure: war is a grave transaction of human irrationality and madness, and peace — despite its uneventfulness — is the essential foundation for progress. May the reflective mirror of fiction guide us to see these truths clearly, so that the destructive cycle of war might one day be replaced by the constructive promise of peace.
You can watch each of the 3 anime titles directly on Crunchyroll:
Maoyu: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G63VWP9VY/maoyu?utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt a Kingdom: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G1XHJV3MV/how-a-realist-hero-rebuilt-the-kingdom?utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GVDHX8ZD0/our-last-crusade-or-the-rise-of-a-new-world?utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
Footnotes
1. Russia Has the Resources for a Long War in Ukraine
2. Putin and Political Theory: A Machiavellian and Pan-Slav Mindset
3. How Russia Weaponized Historical Narratives Against Ukraine
4. Sanctions and Russia’s War: Limiting Putin’s Capabilities
5. Vladimir Putin’s Leadership: Charisma, Power Dynamics, and …
6. Disinformation in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine — Wikipedia
7. Economic Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine — Wikipedia
8. How Sanctions Have Reshaped Russia’s Future — CSIS
9. The Failure of Russian Propaganda — University of Cambridge
10. Who Benefits from Russia’s War in Ukraine — CEPR
11. [PDF] The Economic Impact of Russia Sanctions — CRS Reports
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12092
12. A Fragile Narrative: Transformations and Consistency in the Russian …
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17506352241264436
13. Ukraine: What’s the Global Economic Impact of Russia’s Invasion?
14. Putin & Machiavelli
15. Ukrainian Propaganda During Russian Invasion of Ukraine — Wikipedia
16. The Long-lasting Economic Shock of War
17. [PDF] Vladimir Putin’s Leadership: Charisma, Power Dynamics, and …
18. Countering Disinformation with Facts — Russian Invasion of Ukraine
19. [PDF] Economic Impact of Russia’s War on Ukraine — European Parliament
20. Putin: The Psychology Behind His Destructive Leadership
21. [PDF] Russia’s Top Five Persistent Disinformation Narratives
22. Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia
23. Ideology and Meaning-Making under the Putin Regime
24. Undermining Ukraine: How Russia Widened Its Global Information …
25. Two Years of War in Ukraine: Are Sanctions Against Russia Making …
26. Three Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion and War of Aggression …
27. How Russian Disinformation Manipulates Data on Ukraine War
28. Impact of Sanctions on the Russian Economy — Consilium.europa.eu
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/impact-sanctions-russian-economy/
29. The Ukrainian Media Counters Russian Disinformation
30. What Are the Sanctions on Russia and Have They Affected Its Economy? — BBC
31. The Propaganda War over Ukraine: Unanimity — Global Challenges
32. Does the Napoleon-complex Theory Explain President Putin’s …
