" Almost everybody thinks that the fight is about ideology. Everybody will tell you, ‘Well, the fighting is all about the Middle East.’ ‘Well, it’s about Muslims starting jihad.’ ‘It’s about terrorism.’ ‘It’s about this or that.’ And no, it’s not. It’s about money. "
- Roger Waters

In the quote under discussion, Roger Waters challenges common perceptions about conflicts, particularly those that seem complex or difficult to grasp. He suggests that while many people believe these conflicts are rooted in ideological differences such as religious beliefs, political ideologies, or regional issues like the Middle East, the true driving force behind them is something far simpler and more universal: financial gain.

The deeper meaning of Waters' statement lies in his critique of the oversimplification and misdirection often used to explain global disputes. By pointing out that conflicts are frequently attributed to ideological differences such as religious or political disagreements, he highlights how these explanations can be misleading. He argues that beneath the surface of these debates about religion, politics, and regions lie more straightforward motives: economic interests and power dynamics. This perspective encourages a critical examination of why certain narratives about conflict gain traction in public discourse and media coverage.

Roger Waters is an acclaimed musician and songwriter best known as the co-founder, bassist, and lyricist for the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Beyond his musical career, he has been vocal on social and political issues, often using his platform to express critical views on topics like war and politics. His statement reflects a broader theme in his work: questioning the underlying motivations behind societal conflicts and challenging the public to look beyond surface-level explanations for complex global issues.