Returning to the Cave of the Cyclops: Modern Barbarism Read Through The Odyssey

​1. The Era When the Mask of Civilization Strips Away

​In Homer’s ancient Greek epic The Odyssey, the most fundamental criterion distinguishing civilization from barbarism was 'Xenia'—the sacred obligation of hospitality and norms extended toward strangers and foreigners.

​Welcoming a traveler into one’s home, laying down weapons, and establishing rules through dialogue: this was the very definition of 'civilization' to the ancient Greeks. Conversely, the cave of Polyphemus—the one-eyed Cyclops who disregarded rules, relied strictly on brute force, and devoured guests—represented the ultimate realm of 'barbarism.'

​What does today’s geopolitical landscape look like? The rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, human rights, and peaceful promises that humanity recently took pride in are rapidly eroding. Watching news headlines where power dictates justice and the law of the jungle prevails, we are forced to ask a chilling question: Are we sliding back into a new 'Age of Barbarism' under the shiny veneer of modernity?

​2. The Collapse of Xenia and Neo-Liberal Plunder

​In The Odyssey, the Cyclops rejects his duty of hospitality, shouting at Odysseus and his men, "Who are you? Where do you come from? Are you robbers disguised as traders?" before unleashing brutal violence.

​Today’s international affairs mirror this scene:

​The Neutralization of International Law: Major powers routinely disregard international treaties and arbitration whenever they conflict with national interests.

​Nationalism and Bloc Politics: Instead of mutual coexistence or humanitarian responsibility toward strangers (e.g., refugees or climate crises), nations are building higher walls to plunder or exclude others—a form of 'neo-geopolitical barbarism.'

​Where shared norms vanish, only the primitive and barbaric logic remains: "Because I am strong, I rule over you.

​3. The Siren’s Song and the Politics of Madness

​Physical violence was not the only threat obstructing Odysseus’s return home. There were also the Sirens, whose sweet, lethal voices lured sailors to destruction.

​In modern global politics, the Siren’s song is none other than extreme hate and self-serving populism. Political fanaticism feeds on public fear and anxiety. Temptations like "They stole our jobs" or "We must crush our neighbors for our prosperity" paralyze rational, civilized discourse, driving societies into collective madness.

​Just as Odysseus lashed himself to the ship's mast to withstand the Sirens' call, today’s world lacks a firm, civilized anchor to resist demagoguery.

​4. Can We Ever Return to Ithaca?

​The Odyssey is far more than a simple adventure tale. It is a testament to human willpower striving to pass through oceans of violence and barbarism to finally reach 'home' (Ithaca)—a place of order and peace.

​Odysseus survived his wanderings not merely because he was a formidable warrior, but because he constantly reflected on his arrogance, exercised wisdom, and sought to restore order and self-restraint.

​Diagnosing today’s geopolitical state as a regression into barbarism is not an expression of despair. Rather, it is an invitation to rediscover the civilized dignity we have lost amidst the storm.

​Sitting back down at the negotiation table instead of engaging in power struggles

​Restoring minimal hospitality (Xenia) toward strangers and the vulnerable

​Preserving reason against the Siren song of extreme nationalism

​Just as Odysseus lowered himself to become 'Nobody' to escape the monster’s cave, the global community must shed its pride and begin a process of civilized self-reflection. Otherwise, our destination will not be a peaceful Ithaca, but an endless, relentless sea of violence.