It’s not his or any “generation” which is doing anything, that’s nonsensical.
It’s the US, Russian, Chinese, Israeli, Iranian, etc. governments. All of which have a life of their own and can either be very limitedly or not at all democratically influenced.
Look at the heads of state in the examples you provided and identify the generation to which ALL of them belong.
I would hope saying the truth about the tensions would encourage people to back down.. or at least isolate the most aggressive player out from the herd of peaceful participants.
The 'pretty picture' is that everyone defends their own trade lanes and we get on with life.
You're right I do enjoy thinking about war, it makes relationships clearer. I don't want war.
That's the problem no matter how you rationalize it.