Pathologies of Defense

Kenneth E. Boulding
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Kenneth E. Boulding: Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder

Journal of Peace Research, 1984, vol. 21, issue 2, 101-108

Abstract: The broadest concept of defense is that of preventing unwanted change. This implies human evaluations of complex systems, estimating a given change as for the better or for the worse. The distinction between perceived betterment and actual betterment is difficult to make, but not meaningless. 'National Defense' is particularly concerned with conflict systems and threat systems. A conflict process is a change in which one party is perceived to become better off, the other worse off. Again there may be a difference between perceived and actual conflict. Threat systems originate when one party says 'You do something 1 want, or 1 will do something you don't want'. Possible responses are submission, defiance, flight, counterthreat (deterrence), or threat diminution (armor, walls). National defense is basically non-economic; it does not justify itself by cost-benefit analysis, but by absolute values of sacrifice and sacredness. The state is strengthened by sacrificing its own soldiers, not by killing the enemy, for that makes the enemy sacred. National defense however now threatens to destroy us all. The most important conflict in the world today is that between the unilateral national defense organizations of the world and the human race itself. The only national defense that is now feasible is stable peace.

Date: 1984
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