Effects of Warfare on the Formation of the Modern State
Effects of Warfare on the Formation of the Modern State
The definition of a modern state is debatable, but for the purpose of this essay the definition ‘a distinct form of public power, separate from both ruler and ruled and forming the political authority within certain defined boundaries’, (Chapter 2, Unit 1, p 73) appears appropriate. A modern state has four main features: fixed territorial boundaries, a monopoly on force and the means of coercion, impersonal and sovereign political order and the legitimacy to represent the needs and interests of its citizens. This form of state was to become a common feature of the entire global system. This essay will outline the main historical forces which have contributed to the development of the modern state; warfare, the growth of capitalism, and the process of democratization. The historical period covered is from the seventeenth century, following the English Civil War (1640-88) and the French Revolution (1789).
Warfare would appear to be central to the development of the modern state. Competition among states was largely driven by insecurity and vast amounts of capital were needed to enable a state to be secure. A state would need to be prepared to go to war to secure its territorial boundaries. In turn neighboring states, feeling insecure at their neighbor’s war preparation, would also need to arm. A vicious circle of insecurity referred to as the ‘security dilemma’ (ibid p95). Another reason for states to maintain fully equipped armies was the leverage this would possibly give them in negotiations with other states. The ability of a state to secure and/or extend its boundaries was dependant upon the resources available and its ability to extract these resources from the citizens of that state, whether it be manpower, weaponry, foodstuffs or finance. As the state got larger the needs for resources became greater and boundaries needed to be extended in order to increase resources. However, few of the states subjects were willing to suffer the loss of life or resources without gaining some acknowledgement in exchange and there were many conflicts and rebellions against the demands which were made upon them. Accordingly the state built ‘administrative, bureaucratic and coercive structures’ (ibid p95) to control and co-ordinate their population. This administrative infrastructure was a major development of the modern...