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All 11 Flashcards — Military power
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Question
What is military power?
Answer
The ability to threaten or use armed force — the sharpest form of hard power.
Question
What is military power used for?
Answer
Defence, deterrence, coercion, and power projection (using force far from home).
Question
What is deterrence?
Answer
Stopping an attack by threatening a costly response — power working without a battle, e.g. nuclear weapons.
Question
What is power projection?
Answer
A state's ability to use force far from its own borders, through bases, aircraft carriers and the like.
Question
Why does the threat of force matter?
Answer
It can make others back down or think twice, changing behaviour without a shot being fired (deterrence).
Question
Why is the Russia–Ukraine war a good example?
Answer
Russia's huge military failed to win quickly against Ukraine's determined defence and Western arms — resources didn't guarantee the result.
Question
What are the strengths of military power?
Answer
It can defend and deter, the threat alone can change behaviour, and it is decisive in a direct clash.
Question
What are the limits of military power?
Answer
It is hugely costly, can destroy but not build order, can be resisted, and winning a war isn't winning the peace.
Question
Is military power hard or soft power?
Answer
Hard power — its sharpest form, based on force and the threat of force.
Question
Does the bigger army always win?
Answer
No — resolve, defence and outside help can blunt even a far larger force, as in Ukraine.
Question
Why does military power work best with diplomacy?
Answer
Force alone can destroy but not build order; muscle backs up diplomacy, and diplomacy secures the peace force cannot.
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