There must be a good reason why leaders in the world today are copiously, flagrantly provocative. At this moment, while these keys are jumping from the ongoing developments in the saga of Rodrigo Duterte and the International Criminal Court (ICC), my mind is hopping from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin to Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un.

Over these past years, these names have made the rounds of global headlines. Social media is afire with contrasting views, some as virulent as the words and actions we have seen stemming from the very pronouncements of these leaders.

Is it the accessibility and speed of information, or have we been getting a steady stream of shockers to shake us out of our stupor? This, indeed, is the era of volatile heads, these powerful figures’ unexpected outbursts tipping the scales of balance in precarious ways.

Right now, while Filipinos react in various ways to the arrest of former President Digong based on a warrant released by the ICC, it becomes clear that many are caught up in the uncertainty of the situation, curious enough about the turn of events — but not enough to get them invested in the long-term consequences which might affect their lives.

What does it mean for the country that President Duterte was arrested — brought to Villamor Airbase “not of my own volition” — by what is called “the court of last resort?”

The ICC, of which the Philippines is longer a member, “investigates and, when warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community,” as the body is described.

It seeks “accountability” and “aims to deter future atrocities and promote peace and security.”

The world is far from being truly peaceful, not then and not now, with wars triggered by current leaders and tensions brewing among many others.

The ICC’s interest in the case of the Philippines stems from statements the former President himself made — admitting to killings during his time as mayor of Davao and during the drug war when he was president.

The Court’s latest actions bring up questions, such as whether the Marcos administration had a hand in it, and whether it is the final ringing slap on our justice system. After all, as the “court of last resort,” said to be “independent and impartial,” the ICC usually “(steps) in when national courts are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate and prosecute such crimes.”

And, yet, one should wonder: how far will this go? One netizen, a Filipino based abroad: “But will anything really happen? Or like Trump, arrested, convicted... but now president again.”

It behooves us to look deeper into these matters shaking up our peace anew — not that ongoing strife across the world have ceased to affect us.

At the very least, we should think about why we are here, and what we need most right now. Do we need leaders who are feared, commanding obedience; or do we need leaders who are loved, commanding respect?

The headlines show we have leaders who command attention — and whether that is good or bad, we must wonder if that is the most we can do.

As to the first question above: it’s because people are numb.