Thursday, July 12, 2012

Army Cuts: A shift for the 21st Century.


Last week the Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond announced major cuts to the size of the British Army. Amidst battles to save the pound and the euro, improve Britain’s social infrastructure and keep the governing Coalition from falling apart in general, the issue of war and defence has taken a backseat. Is this a good move on the part of the government?

In a word, Yes. In general the 21st century has witnessed a major shift in attitudes to war. Where once the maxim of Carl Von Clauswitz that war was a logical extension of politics held precedence for a nations foreign policy, the same no longer applies. Since 1945 outright war has been the very last option a state seeks to enact and bar a few obvious examples in the last decade, major wars between states have been few and far between.

The creation of organisations such as the United Nations, trade alliances such as MERCOSUR and whole regions such as the Euro zone illustrates the distinct shift the International System has experienced in way of state interaction. Where once the system was defined by its wars and then its allegiance to a certain block during the Cold war era, the system now relies on cooperation. In an era where diplomacy and discussion takes precedence, the British government have taken the plunge and begun to dismantle what has become, since the Iraq war in 2003, a huge financial and PR drain for the government.

Some have been quick to criticise the move with the view that once cut, the Army will never recover and we will be severely weakened in terms of defence. Whilst I understand the argument, it is almost impossible to agree. Britain has long relied on alliances to boost its international strength. Without an Empire we would not have been considered a formidable power and the defeat of Hitler Germany only succeeded with the assistance of France, Russia and America. A more worrying move is the expansion of the Territorial Army. Whilst I understand the need for reserves, I am distinctly uncomfortable with the promotion of youths practising at playing soldiers.

I am in no way slamming the British Forces, who I think do an incredibly brave job, nor am I applauding the loss of thousands of jobs and livelihoods. However, when looking at the world today we need to ask ourselves, what need do we have a sprawling army? Surely we have other priorities.