Military force is great reflection of power that any country possesses. The great power can be described as ability of country to apply its authority and control on a large global scale. According to Machiavelli, it is important for ruler to have no apprehensions, no thoughts except attention towards war. Stronger military force is primary requisite to win any war. Any country, Government or ruler should properly train his shoulders to form stronger military force and to reflect his power to the world. Weak military could be one the major reasons for any country to loss the power. Strong military force can be considered as synonym to the power. However, in present days importance to have stronger military is declining because of diverting attention towards industrial and economic matters. This paper intends to evaluate the importance to have strong military force and various benefits associate with stronger military force.
Countries hold great power carry the strength to control important decisions and major activities of small countries that hold small or no power. The main characteristics of any great power are: Strong Military and economy. With these two strengths country can rule the world. The debate on two important characteristics is very intense and carries different opinions of people. Some people claim that to become successful and wealthy nation it is important to give attention to economic activities. A strong economy shows the wealth of a nation and carries ability to help and fund other poor nations. Whereas, other group of people emphasizes upon importance of Strong military; this shows the power and winning capacity of the country. For example any country like Switzerland has healthy economic but the country is not powerful. Switzerland can gain some leverages in doing trade and international affair activities. However, the country cannot protect itself and win any war without help of any other strong country.
Any country that is involved in conflicts and global affairs requires strong military force for example United States of America. A strong army increases the capability of nation to influence other countries. Any nation will think multiple times before making any decisions against powerful nation. In present era the number of wars reduced drastically because now majority of the nations emphasize upon stronger military force. Countries spend huge amount on developing latest weapons and technologies. Now majority of the nations have nuclear weapons that reduce their threat to being attacked by any other nation. Hence strong military force not only required to dictate other nations but also for self protection.
In present era when whole world is facing the problem of terrorism, it is essential to have strong military force. According to Gates, U.S. Defense Secretary, Strong military force gives nation a guarantee against victory of terrorists, antagonists and dictators. The strong military force is also required for safe execution of various economic and social activities. It is required to safeguard the trade routes, supply of oil and energy material and also to discourage various adversary elements that do miscalculations which resulted into wars. It is important for all countries to spend substantial amount in building their military forces stronger. The amount should only be reduced if country is facing huge financial burden and debt.
In ancient times, number was probably the most important thing that contributed in winning the wars though the situation has been changed a bit and number is still important but only if it is accompanied by modern technology. Countries like Israel have small numbers but the quality of weapons, methods of war and technology is what makes this nation powerful. It has been observed in a number of historical incidents that war are fought and won by small armies against big armies on the basis of their methods technology and deadly weapons. Today the methods of war have been changed and nations have adopted the new ways that requires only tricks and technology.
It is considered good to not involve directly in war with any country but wars are fought at different fronts. It may be it economical, diplomatic or political. In today’s changing scenario, the world is divided into developed, developing and backward nations. Strong military is a highly expensive affair and it is not possible for a nation to afford powerful military because of the involved expenditure. America, Russia, china, UK, and India are leading world powers followed by a number of other nations. Some incidents clearly show the increasing influence of china on the world platform. United States of America is facing the challenge from the Chinese army. China has a huge army and even US avoids any kinds of collision with china. A number of incidents suggest that china has gained enough power and is competing to United States of America.
The strong military does not mean to attack any other nation but this is equally important to maintain peace, law and order. Other nation should always keep in their minds that attacking a nation of equal power can damage their own peace. If all the nations are equally powerful, probably humanity will learn to rely on dialogues rather than launching a missile attack on k a weaker country. Maintaining a balance of power is very important and a strong military is an effort of displaying own power and ambition to lodge presence among other countries of the world. The powerful military protect nations in multiple ways by maintaining internal peace among various communities and societies. Countries that have diversity and multiple religions often face problems of internal conflict which can be prevented by strong military force. Therefore, military protects nations from internal riots and external wars.
After having observed the above mentioned analysis of the subject, it is good to say that strong military power is very significant in the current scenario as it was in ancient times. Strong military power determines the fate of a nation and rest of the world recognizes the powerful nations only. It is evidenced from incidents of the history that a number of countries were conquered and were made slaves by the virtue of power only. Strong military power used to decide the fate of nations and millions of people. Weaker used to serve as slaves while the powerful used to enjoy other’s amenities and resources because of their power. Strong military power used to play a significant role in designing the countries and deciding their fate and in current scenario, the same will be helpful in maintaining the supremacy and in grabbing the amenities and resources of the world.
Works Cited
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Rice, Condoleezza. "Promoting the National Interest ." Hein Online (2000).
