86 – Eighty Six, a critically acclaimed light novel series penned by Asato Asato and brought to life with illustrations by Shirabii, paints a grim picture of a dystopian future where the seemingly peaceful Republic of San Magnolia wages a “bloodless” war against the autonomous Legion of the Giadian Empire, a war that hides a brutal truth: the forced deployment of marginalized youth, the Eighty-Six, as expendable pilots.
The story follows Lena, a Handler in the Republic’s military, who commands a squadron of Eighty-Six from the supposed safety of the Republic’s walls. As she delves deeper into the reality of the war and the plight of the Eighty-Six, she forms a unique bond with Shin, the leader of her squadron, known as “Undertaker.” Together, they confront the dehumanizing system that perpetuates the conflict and challenge the deeply ingrained prejudices that fuel the Republic’s war machine.
What sets this series apart is its unflinching examination of the human cost of conflict, woven into a narrative that is both a thrilling military saga and a poignant social commentary. Asato, known for her intricate world-building and nuanced character development, doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes. 86 delves into the depths of dehumanization, the insidious power of propaganda, and the devastating consequences of systemic discrimination. While set in a fictional world, the series’ exploration of these themes resonates with a chilling familiarity in the context of current events, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader tensions gripping Europe.
The Dehumanization of War and the “Unseen” Enemy
One of the most chilling aspects of 86 is the Republic’s treatment of the “Eighty-Six,” a segregated population forced to fight the Legion while being denied basic human rights and recognition. They are treated as expendable tools, their sacrifices erased by propaganda that paints the war as a bloodless, automated conflict. This mirrors the ways in which modern warfare often obscures the human cost, particularly for marginalized populations.
In the context of Europe’s current tensions, the dehumanization of the “other” is a dangerous trend. Propaganda and misinformation, much like in 86, can fuel animosity and justify violence, erasing the humanity of those deemed enemies. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine provides a stark example of this dehumanization. Propaganda from both sides has fueled animosity and sought to erase the humanity of the “enemy”. Russian state media has portrayed Ukrainians as Nazis and fascists, while some Ukrainian rhetoric has demonized Russian soldiers as invaders and barbarians. This dehumanizing language makes it easier to justify violence and perpetuate the cycle of conflict, echoing the way the Republic in 86 manipulates its citizens into accepting the brutal treatment of the Eighty-Six.
Furthermore, diplomatic efforts to address the complex geopolitical issues between Russia and Ukraine were largely inadequate or ineffective. This failure to engage in meaningful dialogue and find common ground contributed to the escalation of tensions and ultimately led to the devastating war we see today. Similarly, in 86, the Republic’s refusal to acknowledge the Eighty-Six’s humanity and engage in any form of negotiation or reconciliation perpetuates the cycle of violence and suffering.
86 explores the illusion of a sanitized war—where death is out of sight, and therefore, out of mind. The Republic maintains a fantasy of clean, automated combat, much like how nations today frame their military interventions or proxy conflicts. In the Ukraine-Russia war, there’s a similar rhetoric from external powers: support from a distance through drone tech, sanctions, and arms shipments—avoiding direct confrontation while real people on the ground pay the price.
This mirrors the “arm’s length empathy” Lena initially shows—deeply caring, yet removed from the battlefield. In both fiction and reality, there’s a tension between technological convenience and moral accountability.
When Technology, Bureaucracy, and Bias Collide
In 86, the autonomous Legion drones embody a chilling vision of technological advancement in warfare. Asato Asato meticulously crafts a world where the Republic of San Magnolia, blinded by its own propaganda and prejudice, readily embraces the Legion’s automated killing machines as a “safe” and “bloodless” solution to conflict. This reliance on technology, however, masks a deeply disturbing reality: the dehumanization of both the enemy and the Eighty-Six, the marginalized group forced to pilot the very machines designed to erase them.
The series delves into the ethical complexities of AI in combat, highlighting the potential for these weapons to operate without human intervention, devoid of empathy or accountability. The Legion’s relentless pursuit of annihilation, devoid of any sense of morality or restraint, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relinquishing human control in warfare. This resonates with growing concerns about autonomous weapons systems in the real world, particularly in the context of Europe’s current security challenges.
86 also exposes the deep-seated flaws within the Republic’s military structure, where incompetence, prejudice, and rigid hierarchies reign supreme. The higher-ups, detached from the realities of the battlefield and blinded by their own biases, prioritize political expediency over the lives of their soldiers, particularly the Eighty-Six, who are deemed expendable. This critique of bureaucratic inertia and systemic discrimination is a recurring theme in 86, with characters like Lena and Shin struggling against a system that refuses to acknowledge the humanity and sacrifices of those it exploits.
Historical Parallels
The series draws inspiration from historical conflicts, particularly World War II, with its themes of nationalism, segregation, and the horrors of mechanized warfare. The Republic’s treatment of the Eighty-Six evokes the systemic discrimination faced by marginalized groups throughout history.
Furthermore, the Republic’s propaganda machine mirrors the ways in which governments throughout history have manipulated information to control public perception and justify their actions. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of propaganda and the importance of critical thinking in the face of official narratives.
Europe’s current situation is a stark reminder of the continent’s turbulent past. The specter of war, the displacement of populations, and the resurgence of nationalist sentiment are all echoes of historical conflicts. 86 reminds us that the lessons of history must be heeded to prevent repeating past mistakes.
The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
Despite the bleakness of its setting, 86 ultimately emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and human connection. The characters who defy the Republic’s propaganda and recognize the humanity of the Eighty-Six are the ones who offer hope for a better future.
In a world increasingly divided by conflict and prejudice, 86 reminds us that empathy and understanding are essential for building a more peaceful and just future. As Europe navigates its current challenges, it is crucial to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and recognize the shared humanity of all people.
Conclusion
86 – Eighty Six is more than just an anime; it’s a powerful commentary on the human condition in the face of conflict. The series serves as a stark reminder of the enduring human capacity for dehumanization, the insidious power of propaganda, and the devastating consequences of unchecked technological advancement. It highlights the dangers of bureaucratic inertia, systemic discrimination, and the erosion of human values in the face of conflict. More importantly, 86 underscores the urgent need for empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions over military might.
Beyond raising awareness, 86 also inspires action. It encourages us to challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice, to speak out against discrimination and prejudice, and to hold our leaders accountable for their decisions. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure and that hope for a better future can be found in the bonds of empathy and understanding.
In a world increasingly divided by conflict and fear, 86 – Eighty Six offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. By engaging with its themes and reflecting on its implications, we can gain valuable insights into the human condition and work towards a more just and peaceful world for all.
