One thing that struck me as particularly interesting in this last discussion was how Toby seemed to see economics as another means of defense. He said something akin to, “In order to be secure a nation must have a strong economy to have the resources to maintain a formidable military.” A very realist concept; our economy functions as a means for military ends. However, I would take issue with this concept. I would say that one could argue that the military functions as a means for economic ends.
It is true that one of a nation’s top priorities must be the security of its citizens and maintaining the existence of the state. But while state security may seem like the goal of utmost importance, most nations can rest assured that they are not going to be taken over in the near future. Through various international institutions the age of conquest has largely come to and end. Therefore, it can be said the military has become a tool of the state to pursue its economic goals.
It seems that if one wanted to take a very utilitarian approach to the subject, they could say that the only reason to care about terrorist is because it acts as an obstacle to an functioning market. If people are so worried about their safety that they stop engaging to economic activities then the economy comes to a halt. For example, after 9/11 the airline industry took a major hit because people were afraid to fly. Many of the obvious security measures put in place acted more to restore confidence in the industry than actually provide more security.
I’m not necessarily saying that this dynamic is true in all cases. It obviously is not for an entire host of very good reasons. However, it is a dynamic in play and to see the economy as a means for military ends or security ends seems to simplify the issue.
I agree that the economy does not just function for military means. I also see the parallel made about the 9/11 attacks and the effect security issues can effect industries. i just wanted to know if you could give me another example of how the military helps to keep a strong economy just so i can better conceptualize your argument. I get the 9/11 thing but, what else?
ReplyDeleteI'm mostly basing that off the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. In order for economic activity to flourish a state is needed to provide security. No one would try to get property if that property could be taken away from them. The state has to assure people that their ownership will be respected in order for them to have the incentive to invest. Without security, the economy stagnates. Who would invest if they thought their investment would get destroyed or stolen.
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