:armies are necessary, before all things, for the defense of governments from their own oppressed and enslaved subjects.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tolstoy claims armies exist mainly to defend governments from their own oppressed subjects.
- In plain terms
- Armies protect rulers from the people they oppress, not just foreign enemies.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize military forces often serve internal control rather than defense.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the primary purpose of standing armies?
- How do states use force domestically?
Another view
Armies also serve legitimate national defense needs against external threats.
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