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53 Pol. Sci. Q. 1 (1938)

handle is hein.journals/pclscceqry53 and id is 1 raw text is: Volume LIII] POLITICAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY AMERICAN MILITARY POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY N the discussion leading to the Pact of Paris the phrase war as an instrument of national policy became the basis for consideration of international affairs. The fundamental question at present to be raised is whether national policy has not now become an instrument of war. This is no mere rhetorical device to catch the ear and the eye. It is a statement of fact in the light of which otherwise con- fusing phenomena become quite intelligible. For example, economic policies which, judged by the accepted criteria of economics, border on the insane become altogether rational if considered as quasi-military measures. Governmental con- trols of the press, the radio, the church, the school likewise are explicable by reference to the obvious fact that under modern conditions nearly all phases of life must be subordinated to the exigencies of war. The extension of political authority, especially military authority, into virtually every domain of human relations, is of profound significance. In Germany, Japan and Italy, the concept of the totalitarian state and the concept of the totalitarian war are inextricably connected; in fact, it is difficult if not impossible to determine which is cause and which effect. The relentless pressure of the authoritarian states and of their concepts of economics, international law and political ethics is having results of far-reaching importance in all spheres of life and economy in the democratic nations. Every accepted tenet of pre-war society is being challenged March 1938 [ Number z