# Foreign Trade and Military Power explained — The Great Illusion

> Chapter companion for The Great Illusion by Norman Angell.

## What happens

This chapter argues that military power, particularly naval strength, cannot destroy or capture a nation's trade. Angell contends that commerce is fundamentally an exchange of products based on efficiency and price, not military might. He uses examples like Switzerland, a nation without Dreadnoughts, to show that trade can be won without naval power. The chapter further explores the 'futility of conquest,' arguing that even a victorious power cannot benefit from destroying a rival's economy because it would also destroy a valuable market. Angell also examines the economic consequences of war for both victor and vanquished, citing Japan's heavy taxation after its victories and Russia's economic recovery after defeat, concluding that military success does not lead to social well-being.

## Themes in this chapter

### Economic Futility of War

The central theme, arguing that military conquest cannot bring economic benefit and often leads to economic loss for the conqueror.

### Interdependence of Nations

The chapter highlights how nations are economically linked through trade, making the destruction of one nation's economy harmful to others.

### Illusion of Political Power

Angell argues that the perceived power and prestige from military strength are an illusion, as they do not translate into real economic advantage.

### Critique of Militarism

The chapter critiques the militaristic mindset that believes trade can be captured or protected by force, using examples like Switzerland's success without a navy.

## Character check-ins

### Norman Angell

The author, presenting his arguments against the economic benefits of military conquest.

### Frederic Harrison

His views on the consequences of a successful invasion are quoted and refuted.

### Theodore Roosevelt

Mentioned in the context of a correspondent's question about Japan's advantages from victories.

## Key lines

> Switzerland, without a single Dreadnought, will drive him out of the market even of his own colonies, as, indeed, she is driving him out.

A nation without military power can successfully compete for trade against a major power.

_This illustrates that commercial success depends on factors other than military strength._

> What I am prepared to maintain, and what the experts know to be the truth, is that the Japanese people are the poorer, not the richer for their war, and that the Russian people will gain more from defeat than they could possibly have gained by victory.

Military victory can lead to economic hardship, while defeat can spur economic reform and growth.

_This challenges the common assumption that winning wars brings prosperity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_illusion_se/chapters/v-foreign-trade-and-military-power
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_illusion_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_illusion_se/chapters