The Importance of Military History

[Yui108]

Aforementioned passage that Dachs and I discussed:


"The other change beginning to emerge in the nineteenth century was even more durable and important than this genuine, but dim and transitory, recognition of hte futility and ultimate obsolescence of war as an instrument of policy. It consisted of a slow shift in the very foundation purpose, and functions of states, from their being made by and for war in the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, to their being by made by and for trade. " - Schroeder The Transformation of European Politics 1763-1848 p. 774

Rather incredible little passage, I feel. Almost worthy of its own thread!

 

[Traitorfish]

I've seen this myself. I was even directed away from my intended thesis topic. As if, by studying medicine, colleagues might think one approves of disease.

But while Military History might be distasteful to a Western audience, it is yet crucial, since we continue to engage in war.

War, as a the continuance of policy by other means (CvC), would seem to have a greater effect than mere politics. A state can pass a law, it can try to improve its' economics, may adopt new technology, establish "Rights" - but if it's invaded, conquered and pillaged, all it's accomplishments are flushed down the toilet. And it will have failed in it's most important function, the defense of its' people.

Let's see - I must study politics and war so that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy (JA).

I'm amazed at how seamlessly you transferred from a defence of military history as something other than the celebration of warfare, to the celebration of warfare.

 

[Glassfan]

I'm amazed at how seamlessly you transferred from a defense of military history as something other than the celebration of warfare, to the celebration of warfare.

Celebration? As in rejoicing and festivity and praising? No.

I was agreeing with Dachs concerning the academic bias against MH, and also recognizing the importance of studying it. Do Doctors celebrate disease? Do Jurists celebrate crime? You are mistaken.

 

[Traitorfish]

The John Adams quote threw me.

 

[Theige]

CNN is my home page so I can catch up on the news when I go online. Across the top you see buttons for US, World, Politics, Entertainment, Sports and so on - no Military! And this in the most powerful nation on earth! Likewise in newspapers - sections for fashion, real estate, finance, sports, comics and so on - but no military. During peacetime, military events are reported in the general news - usually some sex scandal or cost overrun. During war, it's usually about today's casualties. No deep reporting, and experts are shopped - Anthony Cordesman or some retired general.

This news website just launched its "Military & Defense" section a couple weeks ago. And it's doing quite well

It doesn't have it's own tab on the homepage, but it is the 2nd of 2 links to click when you hover over the "Politics" tab (the first being, "politics" )

 

[Dachs]

Isn't that technically advertising, and as such a violation of site rules?

 

[Theige]

Isn't that technically advertising, and as such a violation of site rules?

Why on earth would you think that?

It couldn't be more directly relevant to the discussion, anyways