Command & Conquer: Predictions
By Adam "GDSlavik" Faubert | March 30, 2002
It has long been discussed that GDI and Nod could be compared to the modern day actions in the war on terror. Westwood Studios could not have predicted this war on terrorism when they first made Command and Conquer. It does, however, make one wonder about how similar the two events seem -- the war on terrorism and the Tiberian universe.
The Global Defense Initiative was founded "to enforce the United Nations Global Defense Act and uphold the ideals as outlined in the United Nations Charter." It is no secret that the United Nations ideals in its charter are to uphold peace throughout the world and whenever possible, avoid confrontation by negotiations. The anti-terror coalition formed also tried to have negotiations with Afghanistan before it began its assaults. As these negotiations went nowhere, brute force was brought on by the anti-terror coalition nations. This brings me to my next point, the coalition of nations that are contributing troops and money are primarily wealthy nations. The Global Defense Initiative was founded to uphold the security of the whole world yes, but its power base and funding comes from the wealthy nations of the world (those that contribute money to the UN). In both the ideology and the strength of the anti-terror coalition, it is an exact replica of the Global Defense Initiative. The warfare methods of GDI and the anti-terror coalition are similar also. GDI military strength is best viewed as brute force. Mammoth Tanks and orbital satellite weaponry are examples of this brute force. With respect to the anti-terror coalition, if a daisy-cutter isn't proof enough of brute force, then I don't know what is.
The Brotherhood of Nod is an organization founded by Kane on the basis of Tiberium divination for the whole planet. A member of the Brotherhood looks at is a type of religion and one that should be followed with the strictest of policies. The Al Qaeda network represents Muslim extremism. Their common goal is to drive the "white devils" out of the land of Palestine and a united Muslim nation. The Brotherhood of Nod aspires for world domination and a unified nation of Nod. In the description of the Brotherhood of Nod it reads "Previously thought believed only to be smaller terrorist operations, a recent scandal involving United States…" -- does 9-11 ring a bell? After this incident involving the United States the Al Qaeda network was classified as a viable threat to national security whereas previously it was thought to only be effective in places like Africa and the Middle East. The tactics of the Brotherhood of Nod are that of quickness, stealth, and surprise. Units like the Stealth Tank and Buggy are suited well for this task for they can perform hit and run tactics with ease. Al Qaeda also operates in stealth and strives for sudden and quick strikes. They operate in caves waiting for their moments when they emerge from the ashes to strike fear into the hearts of the public.
It is clear that the current world events did not become influenced by the Tiberian series of Command and Conquer games. It is interesting to see how Westwood was able to capture a modern day struggle between the wealthy and the poor several years before it actually happened though -- think about it.
