Military Power

Trade has replaced war. Bad behavior of nations is dealt with by imposing sanctions and withholding trade and capital.  Bad behavior by terrorists and criminals is dealt with by war. The devastation of World Wars I and II resulted in consensus on respecting existing borders.  Aggressors are sanctioned.  Borders are determined by citizens voting to approve annexation and separation.

The wars of intervention to prevent a Communist takeover like Korea and Vietnam are being avoided. Citizens are free to commit economic suicide by adopting Communism and will have to deal with the poverty that ensues.

The wars of intervention to protect populations from Muslim terrorists and Drug Cartels continue to be waged by the countries they invade.

Deterrence is based on a strong economy, advanced technology and a strong military. Advanced weapons include unmanned weapons platforms. Military research and development results in technology that is applied to improved consumer products.

Military power determined the fate of nations throughout human history and it depended on cash plus food and water supplies. Countries felt free to war with neighboring countries. Large wealthy countries could defend themselves. Global trade had been practiced since 5000 BC and required horses and ships. Caravans and merchant ships were defended as required. Weapons and ships were developed to expand trade and military capability.

Ships had been developed to withstand longer distances and storms at sea. Countries set up trading companies across Europe, Africa and Asia.  Gun powder had been invented by the Chinese in the 9^th century. By the 13^th century ships were armed with canons. By 1492, ships were designed to be fully armed and sea-worthy. Large navies were built in Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Holland. Trading Company were established in the 1600s.

Colonization of South America by Spain and Portugal and colonization of North America by the French began in the 1500s.  Colonization of North America by the British and Dutch began in the 1600s.

Trade disputes ensued and wars were fought over trade routes, dominance and territory. European countries established colonies from the 1600s to the 1800s in America, Asia and Africa by intimidating indigenous populations with big gun-boats, canons and muskets.

The British dominated the seas in the 1700s and 1800s.

Colonialism was abandoned in the 1900s and former colonies are now self-governing.  The power vacuum created a century of wars and failure. Most of these once colonial holdings have become among the poorest countries on the planet. Those who have prospered like the US and Australia had adopted free market capitalism.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader