Confusion

Confusion is mistaking something for something else.

Individuals, groups and nations are often confused as to their wants and underlying values. Developing countries want foreign investments, and at the same time, some wish the end of the free-market economic system. Developed countries say they want world peace, and at the same time, some build enormous weapon stockpiles and wish to be the strongest peaceful nation. A kind of societal schizophrenia exists. This is more readily seen in pluralistic societies which, instead of policy setting, accept expedient compromises, and in two or three party democracies where there is alternation in controlling the government.