The Great Illusion · Chapter
The Axioms of Modern Statecraft explained
This chapter challenges the fundamental assumptions of modern statecraft, questioning whether a nation's wealth and prosperity truly depend on its military power.
What happens
This chapter challenges the fundamental assumptions of modern statecraft, questioning whether a nation's wealth and prosperity truly depend on its military power. It presents typical statements of these axioms from figures like Admiral Mahan and Baron Karl von Stengel, and includes a lengthy quotation from Mr. Frederic Harrison about the catastrophic consequences of a British defeat. The chapter also explores German dreams of conquest, including a popular writer's fantasy of wiping the British Empire from the map in less than twenty-four hours, and poses a series of rhetorical questions that suggest these political axioms are in need of revision.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion of Political Power
The chapter questions whether military conquest can bring moral or material advantage, suggesting that the power of nations is not what it appears to be.
Economic Futility of War
The chapter poses questions about whether conquering territory adds to a nation's wealth, implying that war is economically futile.
Role of Public Opinion
The chapter notes that the philosophy of militarism represents the general public opinion of Europe, prompting the actions of governments.
Critique of Militarism
The chapter challenges the axioms of militarism, suggesting that the negative answers to its questions show how much political axioms need revision.
Characters to notice
- Admiral Mahan
Quoted as an Anglo-Saxon authority summarizing the view that moral force is not sufficient and that nations must seek to control markets by preponderant force.
- Baron Karl von Stengel
Cited as a 'Liberal' German delegate to the First Hague Conference who lays down that economic power depends on political power.
- Frederic Harrison
Quoted at length from a letter to the London Times, describing the ruin that would follow a successful invasion of Britain, including the collapse of trade and the means of feeding forty millions.
- Clausewitz
Mentioned as a classic authority whose writings give full confirmation to the view that a nation's well-being depends on military power.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Listed among those from Aristotle to the German Emperor who have left no doubt about the premises of statecraft.
- Aristotle
Mentioned as part of the lineage of philosophers of statecraft, from Aristotle and Plato down to Mr. Roosevelt.
Key passages
“Is it true that the wealth, prosperity and well-being of a nation depend upon its military power, or have necessarily anything whatever to do therewith?”
The chapter asks whether a nation's success is truly tied to its military strength, or if the two are unrelated.
This question is central to the chapter's challenge of traditional axioms.
“The old predatory instinct that he should take who has the power survives … and moral force is not sufficient to determine issues unless supported by physical.”
Admiral Mahan argues that the instinct to take by force persists and that moral arguments are ineffective without physical backing.
This quote summarizes the traditional view that the chapter seeks to challenge.
“Whenever our Empire and maritime ascendancy are challenged it will be by such an invasion in force as was once designed by Philip and Parma, and again by Napoleon.”
Frederic Harrison warns that a challenge to the British Empire will come as a full-scale invasion, similar to those planned by Philip II and Napoleon.
This quote illustrates the deep-seated fears of invasion that the chapter examines.
