Title: Explain the war between Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia in 1984. Who is Oceania actually battling? Is there even a war? - eNotes.com
Headings: Explain the war between Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia in
1984
. Who is Oceania actually battling? Is there even a war?

1984
Explain the war between Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia in 1984. Who is Oceania actually battling? Is there even a war?
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Content: It is this unequal distribution which keeps the citizens of Oceania controlled and conquered. Approved by eNotes Editorial Team
kcoleman2016
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Oceania is always at war. The government preaches that "War is Peace" because when the nation of Oceania is at war, the people of Oceania are all linked together through strong nationalism. If they are at war with someone else, they will be at peace with each other. It is a disturbing and confusing idea, but if you look at the United States during World War II, you'll find a similar state of nationalism (a good term here would be jingoism - look it up!). However, what matters less to the government is who they are at war with, as long as they are indeed at war in some capacity. At the beginning of the book, Oceania is, and has always been, at war with Eurasia, and Eastasia is an ally. However, in Book 2, the government announces that Oceania is, and always has been, at war with Eastasia, and that Eurasia is an ally. In short: Oceania has always been at war, and they don't care who they are fighting.