Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Misbah Abidin
Well, whenever we heard of military power it is like we are talking about a battleground or a confrontation with enemy. But that is a very limited scope. From the broader perspective military is state’s ultimate survival both in times of war and peace internal and external. In a laymen’s language it is just the armed forces who protects the nation and ensure its survival and this is just one of its objective apart from other modifications. The modern world has now been advancing in every stage based on their military might when it comes to a national objective and security. Security by large means that you’re protected from any external threat that will hamper your struggle for existence but internal security challenges are also life threatening for those sitting at the centre. It is for the national cause that soldiers laid their lives to protect borders, sea and airspace from the attack by the foreign forces. These foreign forces carry an agenda that will affect the territorial sovereignty and will lead towards destruction.
The case of Afghanistan is the most perfect example where a third world state is being invaded for the sake of power projection and self vested interests. This is mainly due a decentralised system existing at international level where accountability of violators of law seems weak. It is due to alliances among powerful corporate actors sharing mutual agenda through bandwagoning. However, the modern weapons they have somehow influenced the conflict and changing dynamics of conflicts. The innovation in the field of defence sector has ultimately leads towards the introduction of new technology and sophisticated mechanism which is an addition to the military might of a state but it should be remembered that in order to understand military might in terms of capability its not strengths which matters but self determination does. States are spending more on their defence sector than on any other due to a race and the type of security dilemma that is now existing everywhere almost. The goals can be achieved through soft and hard power means as discussed by Joseph Nye’s in which political platforms matters a lot with an inward and outward structure. The role of leadership and decision making power is also essential in modern day effective warfare with military.
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of military might we need to analyse it from the lens of national power domain, range and with that scope. The comparative analysis allows for more better adaptation of technology at various platforms which ultimately enhance the capability of military. The change in patterns of war and warfare invites us to think why small powers were and are able to defeat large armies or a powerful nation. The example of Vietnam is excellent one to proof that how a defeat can be converted into victory when you are fighting for a national cause.
India, a largest democracy is proud of its extra ordinary capabilities which is considered as its strengths and because of that it stands out in international world. But it should be noted that such abilities are not able to cult state’s role in using unnecessary tactics to stop its citizens from exercising their democratic rights. In this view India uses its armed forces to prevent the locals criticising state role. After proper analysis of the situation the threat being perceived is encountered through state military might. The source can be utilised in an counter insurgency mode or a direct armed confrontation with guerrilla fighters as they retaliate. Soon, after acting on Modi’s advice the military has been withdrawn from such areas like Nagaland and Assam as they ask for autonomy. Besides, this continuous deployment of troops in Kashmir is evident to protect state interests using military might.
Modern day world experiences a new mode of global politics which have its consequences all over the world as it governs world affairs. As the notion of survival of the fittest calls for the preparation against any threat and having enough resources to counter such threats. So for that military is the only one that will protect nations and its objectives and those states that not having defensive approach are looking for help from others.
