I feel like I keep going on about how realistic the Poppy War is in politics but it’s genuinely so true.
Like, there are no right nor wrong people; only people following what they think is best for their cause. Souji, for example, he had wonderful tactics to help the south and he had a greater consideration for southern civilians than Rin or even Kitay. He genuinely believed in the southern people. However, Souji thought that the deal with Nezha (hand over Rin for clemency of her allies which was the south at the time) was the best option for the south’s survival. And honestly, it probably was. However, because Rin never made it to the New City nor Nezha, the Republic lashed back at the south and therefore ruined Souji’s image. (Which led to his ultimate death by mob)
It’s incredible to see the story unfold in the eyes of a protagonist that has very few moral boundaries that she isnt willing to cross. Reading tbg means seeing people who are acting for the best interest of others (but occasionally don’t align with Rin’s safety nor her own priorities) being killed and dealt with by the protagonist.
And it’s not as though Rin is just doing all this for shits and giggles. It’s clear everything she does is for revenge, from The Dragon Republic and up to now, she has been betrayed so she seeks revenge. First it was Daji for Atlan, then it was Nezha and his father for the Cike and herself. Beyond that, I can’t really see what else she aims to do. Rin has shown discomfort of the Hesperians and their arrogant beliefs, but I don’t think she’s expressed a desire to fight them specifically. From what I can tell, they’re more of a collateral thing since they’re working with Nezha.
Regardless, I started rambling but the fucking complexities in The Burning God makes my head spin.