The idea that political freedom can be preserved in the absence of economic freedom, and vice versa, is an illusion. Political freedom is the corollary of economic freedom.
Ludwig Von MisesRead
The characteristic feature of militarism is not the fact that a nation has a powerful army or navy. It is the paramount role assigned to the army within the political structure. Even in peacetime the army is supreme; it is the predominant factor in political life. The subjects must obey the government as soldiers must obey their superiors. Within a militarist community there is no freedom; there are only obedience and discipline.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Militarism prioritizes military authority in politics over individual freedoms.
This quote by Ludwig Von Mises articulates that militarism goes beyond just having a strong military; it emphasizes the extent to which the military influences and dominates political structures and societal norms. In a militarist society, civil obedience is akin to military obedience, leading to a lack of personal freedoms and a focus on discipline and control over individual liberties.
Themes
MilitarismPoliticsObedienceFreedomDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing the impacts of militarism on democracy in a political science class.
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