
The Art of Manliness
#436: The Worth of War
Aug 29, 2018
Benjamin Ginsberg, a political science professor, argues in 'The Worth of War' that war, despite its horrors, has led to advancements in nation-states, technology, medical progress, civil liberties, and rational thinking. He explores how war has shaped statehood, power dynamics, and technological progress, and how it has reduced state violence over time. The podcast delves into the evolution of warfare, including the mobilization of citizen soldiers in the French Revolution, and discusses the psychological impact of living in peaceful times.
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Quick takeaways
- War has driven the creation of political structures, technologies, and conveniences.
- War serves as a test of rationality, eliminating bad ideas and advancing civil liberties.
Deep dives
War Shapes Political Structures and Territories
Throughout history, war has determined the existence of nations and the allocation of territories. The culling out process based on the ability to wage war has shaped the states that exist today. Examples include how Native American territories were overtaken and how war has decided the distribution of power within a region.
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