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Study Guide: Antimilitarism: Concepts, History, and Critiques

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Antimilitarism: Concepts, History, and Critiques Study Guide

Foundations of Antimilitarism and Pacifism

Antimilitarism fundamentally rejects the use of violence in all circumstances, akin to pacifism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material distinguishes antimilitarism from pacifism, noting that while pacifism rejects violence in all circumstances, antimilitarism focuses on reducing military influence and preparedness rather than necessarily rejecting all forms of force.

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Paul B. Miller defines antimilitarism exclusively as a rejection of war.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paul B. Miller's definition of antimilitarism encompasses more than just the rejection of war; it involves diminishing the military's influence in civil society and preventing international conflict.

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Pacifism advocates for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and may involve a personal refusal to participate in military actions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pacifism is fundamentally based on the doctrine that disputes should be resolved peacefully, often including a personal commitment against participating in military service.

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Antimilitarism's primary objective is the dismantling of structures and ideologies that promote military power and preparedness for conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: The core focus of antimilitarism lies in challenging and dismantling the societal structures, beliefs, and institutions that foster military dominance and readiness for war.

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According to Paul B. Miller, what is the primary objective of antimilitarism?

Answer: To diminish the military's influence in civil society and prevent international conflict.

Explanation: Paul B. Miller defines the primary aim of antimilitarism as reducing the military's societal influence and preventing international conflict.

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How does antimilitarism fundamentally differ from pacifism?

Answer: Pacifism disputes should always be settled without violence, while antimilitarism does not reject war in all circumstances but opposes aggressive military preparedness.

Explanation: Pacifism is characterized by a commitment to resolving disputes exclusively through peaceful means. Antimilitarism, while opposing militarism and aggressive military preparedness, does not necessarily reject the use of force in all situations, focusing instead on diminishing the military's societal influence and preventing conflict.

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Theoretical Perspectives on Violence and Sovereignty

Georges Sorel advocated for non-violent direct action as the principal method for achieving social change.

Answer: False

Explanation: Georges Sorel, in his work, explored the concept of 'revolutionary violence' as a form of direct action, distinguishing it from other forms of violence and class struggle.

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Walter Benjamin, in his *Critique of Violence*, differentiated between 'violence that founds the law' and 'divine violence'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walter Benjamin's seminal work, *Critique of Violence*, distinguishes between instrumental forms of violence (those that establish or maintain law) and 'divine violence,' a distinct concept.

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Walter Benjamin utilized the example of a revolution to illustrate the concept of 'divine violence'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Walter Benjamin's illustration of 'divine violence' in his *Critique of Violence* is primarily associated with the concept of a General Strike, rather than revolution itself.

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Giorgio Agamben established a link between sovereignty and the 'state of exception' by drawing upon Carl Schmitt's theories on law and violence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Giorgio Agamben's analysis connects Carl Schmitt's ideas on the relationship between law and violence to the concept of sovereignty, particularly through the mechanism of the 'state of exception'.

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Which concept did Walter Benjamin employ to describe a unique, potentially bloodless force aimed at destroying the law itself?

Answer: Divine violence

Explanation: Walter Benjamin utilized the concept of 'divine violence' in his *Critique of Violence* to denote a unique force capable of destroying the established legal order.

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What connection did Giorgio Agamben draw between law, violence, and sovereignty?

Answer: The ability to suspend the law (state of exception) is a characteristic of sovereignty, linked to the use of violence.

Explanation: Giorgio Agamben argued that sovereignty is intrinsically linked to the power to declare a 'state of exception,' which involves the suspension of law and is fundamentally tied to the exercise of violence.

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Historical Critiques and Anti-War Movements

Cynthia Cockburn's definition of an anti-militarist movement includes opposition to excessive military spending.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cynthia Cockburn posits that an anti-militarist movement encompasses opposition to military rule, excessive military spending, and the imposition of foreign bases.

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Dwight D. Eisenhower argued that military spending directly contributes to feeding the hungry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dwight D. Eisenhower famously stated that military spending represents a 'theft' from those in need, implying it detracts from resources required to address hunger and other basic necessities.

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Henry David Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience' advocated for the passive acceptance of unjust laws.

Answer: False

Explanation: Henry David Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience' argued for the moral imperative to resist unjust laws, advocating for active non-compliance rather than passive acceptance.

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The military-industrial complex is accused of promoting peace and disarmament for economic gain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The military-industrial complex is typically accused of promoting war and sustained military spending to serve private economic or financial interests, rather than peace and disarmament.

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The Second International believed that wars primarily served the interests of the working class.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Second International viewed wars as competitions serving the interests of the ruling capitalist class, and therefore opposed working-class participation in such conflicts.

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Alain, in *Mars; or, The Truth About War*, argued that soldiers fought primarily out of genuine patriotic conviction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alain, in *Mars; or, The Truth About War*, contended that soldiers' participation was compelled by coercion, symbolized by 'bayonets behind them,' rather than solely by patriotic conviction.

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President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a warning regarding the potential dangers of the military-industrial complex in 1961.

Answer: True

Explanation: In his 1961 farewell address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower cautioned against the growing influence and potential dangers posed by the 'military-industrial complex'.

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American right-wing antimilitarists draw inspiration from figures like Thomas Jefferson, who expressed skepticism toward standing armies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical skepticism of figures like Thomas Jefferson regarding large standing armies informs certain strands of right-wing antimilitarism in the United States.

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Thomas Jefferson believed that large standing armies were essential for protecting citizens' rights.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thomas Jefferson expressed concern that large standing armies could pose a threat to citizens' rights and place them at the mercy of the government.

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James Madison advocated for a professional standing army as the primary defense for a free country.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Madison advocated for a well-regulated citizen militia as the principal defense for a free nation, rather than a professional standing army.

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David Starr Jordan utilized eugenic principles to argue against war, positing that war weakened the human race.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Starr Jordan employed eugenic arguments against war, suggesting that warfare resulted in the loss of the fittest individuals, thereby degrading the human gene pool.

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According to Dwight D. Eisenhower's quote, what is the ultimate consequence of military spending?

Answer: It signifies a theft from those who hunger and are not fed.

Explanation: Dwight D. Eisenhower's statement highlights that military spending represents a diversion of resources from essential human needs, characterizing it as a 'theft' from the impoverished.

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Henry David Thoreau justified his refusal to pay taxes as a protest against:

Answer: The institution of slavery and the Mexican-American War.

Explanation: Henry David Thoreau's refusal to pay taxes was a deliberate act of protest against the institution of slavery and the Mexican-American War, which he deemed unjust.

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What is the military-industrial complex accused of doing?

Answer: Promoting war to serve private economic or financial interests.

Explanation: The military-industrial complex is frequently accused of advocating for war and sustained military expenditure to benefit private economic and financial interests.

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How did the Second International view the participation of the working classes in war?

Answer: As a competition serving the interests of the ruling capitalist class, which they opposed.

Explanation: The Second International viewed wars as contests between capitalist classes and opposed working-class involvement, arguing that such conflicts primarily served the interests of the ruling bourgeoisie.

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In *Mars; or, The Truth About War*, Alain suggested that soldiers fought primarily due to:

Answer: Coercion, symbolized by 'bayonets behind them.'

Explanation: Alain argued in *Mars; or, The Truth About War* that soldiers' participation stemmed from coercion, metaphorically represented by 'bayonets behind them,' rather than genuine conviction.

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What warning did President Dwight D. Eisenhower issue in 1961?

Answer: Warning about the growing influence of the 'military-industrial complex.'

Explanation: In 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered a significant warning concerning the potential negative influence of the 'military-industrial complex' on governmental policy.

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Which historical figures are cited as influences for right-wing antimilitarism in the United States due to their skepticism of standing armies?

Answer: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

Explanation: Right-wing antimilitarism in the U.S. often references the views of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who were notably skeptical of maintaining large standing armies.

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What was Thomas Jefferson's primary concern regarding standing armies?

Answer: They threatened citizens' rights and placed them at the mercy of the government.

Explanation: Thomas Jefferson's primary concern was that standing armies could jeopardize citizens' rights and subject them to governmental authority.

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James Madison believed the ideal defense for a free country was:

Answer: A well-regulated citizen militia.

Explanation: James Madison articulated that a 'well-regulated militia' composed of the populace was the most suitable defense for a free nation.

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David Starr Jordan used eugenic principles to argue against war based on the idea that war:

Answer: Led to the loss of the fittest individuals, weakening the human race.

Explanation: David Starr Jordan's eugenic argument against war posited that it resulted in the elimination of the fittest individuals, thereby weakening the human race's genetic composition.

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What event is seen as marking a failure of antimilitarism within the Second International before World War I?

Answer: The assassination of socialist leader Jean Jaurès.

Explanation: The assassination of Jean Jaurès, a prominent antimilitarist voice within the Second International, shortly before World War I, is often viewed as a symbolic failure of the movement's ability to prevent the impending conflict.

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The American Union Against Militarism is notable for its connection to the formation of which organization?

Answer: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Explanation: The American Union Against Militarism, active during World War I, played a role in the establishment of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in its aftermath.

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Benjamin Spock was involved in protests against which war?

Answer: The Vietnam War

Explanation: Dr. Benjamin Spock was a prominent figure in protests against the Vietnam War, advocating for peace and civil disobedience.

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War Resisters' International is described as:

Answer: A global network connecting pacifist and antimilitarist groups.

Explanation: War Resisters' International functions as a global network, linking pacifist and antimilitarist organizations across numerous countries.

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Why was Mihály Zichy's painting 'The Victory of the Genius of Destruction' banned in Paris?

Answer: It contained a strong antimilitarist message deemed controversial.

Explanation: Mihály Zichy's painting 'The Victory of the Genius of Destruction' was banned in Paris due to its potent antimilitarist message, which was considered controversial by authorities.

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How do works like *Arms and the Man* and *The Chocolate Soldier* critique militarism?

Answer: By satirizing militaristic virtues and portraying a deserter positively.

Explanation: These works critique militarism through satire, challenging traditional military virtues by positively depicting a deserter who prioritizes practicality over martial valor.

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Socioeconomic and Political Dimensions of Conflict

The United Nations encounters challenges in addressing state conflict, including the reluctance of powerful member states to intervene.

Answer: True

Explanation: The effectiveness of the United Nations in managing state conflict is hampered by issues such as the willingness of influential member states to commit to intervention and the structural capacity for response.

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The text suggests that military spending is a more effective strategy for achieving global development goals than direct aid.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided material contrasts substantial military expenditures with the unmet global development goals, implying that resources allocated to military activities could be more effectively used for direct aid and addressing root causes of conflict.

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Research indicates that augmenting national armies consistently enhances a nation's security from warfare.

Answer: False

Explanation: Research suggests that increasing military size does not invariably lead to greater security; conversely, significant military spending can divert resources from development initiatives that might address underlying causes of conflict.

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Achieving the Millennium Development Goals would necessitate an annual expenditure equivalent to approximately 5% of the daily global military spending.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text indicates that achieving the Millennium Development Goals would require an annual expenditure equivalent to only about 5% of the *daily* global military spending, highlighting a significant disparity in resource allocation.

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High levels of militarization can divert essential funds from critical human development sectors such as education and health.

Answer: True

Explanation: Extensive militarization often leads to the diversion of financial resources away from vital areas of human development, including education and healthcare, as well as impacting health through weapons development and disposal.

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Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg linked capitalism to war primarily through the mechanism of imperialism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Thinkers such as Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg posited that capitalism's inherent drive for expansion, termed imperialism, is a principal cause of international warfare.

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Article 9 of Japan's postwar constitution explicitly permits the nation to engage in aggressive warfare.

Answer: False

Explanation: Article 9 of Japan's postwar constitution formally renounces war and prohibits the threat or use of force in international disputes, thereby rejecting aggressive warfare.

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The Yoshida Doctrine prioritized military expansion over economic development in post-war Japan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Yoshida Doctrine emphasized post-war Japan's focus on economic development and reliance on U.S. security, rather than prioritizing military expansion.

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Japan's 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' signify its commitment to possessing nuclear weapons for defense.

Answer: False

Explanation: Japan's 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' articulate a commitment to not possessing, producing, or permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons, reflecting an antimilitarist stance.

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What figure did the text provide for estimated daily global military spending?

Answer: Approximately $4.7 billion

Explanation: The estimated daily global expenditure on military activities is cited as approximately $4.7 billion.

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Which theory, associated with thinkers like Lenin and Luxemburg, links capitalism to the causes of war?

Answer: Imperialism

Explanation: The theory of imperialism, particularly as articulated by Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg, posits that capitalist economies inherently drive expansionist policies that lead to international conflict.

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What is the significance of Article 9 in Japan's postwar constitution?

Answer: It renounces war and prohibits the threat or use of force in international disputes.

Explanation: Article 9 of Japan's postwar constitution is significant for its formal renunciation of war and the prohibition of using force to settle international disputes.

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The Yoshida Doctrine is associated with post-war Japan's focus on:

Answer: Economic development and reliance on the U.S. security umbrella.

Explanation: The Yoshida Doctrine guided post-war Japan's strategy, emphasizing economic reconstruction and security dependence on the United States.

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Japan's 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' state that the country will not:

Answer: Possess, produce, or permit the introduction of nuclear weapons.

Explanation: The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' of Japan signify a policy of not possessing, producing, or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory.

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What is the primary argument linking capitalism and war in antimilitarist literature?

Answer: Capitalist economies inherently seek expansion (imperialism), leading to conflict.

Explanation: A central argument in antimilitarist discourse posits that the inherent expansionist nature of capitalist economies, driven by imperialism, is a primary catalyst for international conflict.

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Consequences of Warfare

Contemporary internal wars generally inflict less harm on civilians than traditional state wars.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, present-day internal wars often inflict a greater toll on civilians than traditional state wars, frequently due to the strategic targeting of non-combatants.

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The indirect negative consequences of armed conflict include the destruction of urban centers and damage to critical infrastructure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond direct combat, armed conflict results in significant indirect consequences, such as the widespread destruction of cities and the degradation of essential infrastructure.

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According to the text, how do present-day internal wars significantly differ from traditional state wars in their impact?

Answer: They inflict a greater toll on civilians because combatants increasingly target them strategically.

Explanation: Contemporary internal wars often result in a greater impact on civilians compared to traditional state wars, largely due to the strategic targeting of non-combatants by belligerents.

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What is a significant indirect negative consequence of armed conflict mentioned in the text?

Answer: Long-lasting detrimental effects on a country's economy and infrastructure.

Explanation: Armed conflict engenders substantial indirect negative consequences, including prolonged damage to a nation's economy and infrastructure, alongside the disruption of public services.

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