Deck 20: Mark Zelcer and Jen Kling, “Military Spending”

Question 1

In his essay, Mark Zelcer says that most governments' behavior is "Thrasymachian." In your essay, explain what he means by this. Should we behave as though this is true? Or is there another way that military spending ought to be responsive to governmental behavior?

Answer 1

Explain what "Thrasymachian" means, and why Zelcer believes that most government's behavior is like this
Develop an argument either in defense of or in objection to the claim that military spending should be set with the assumption that governments will behave like Thrasymachus

Question 2

In the section of her essay titled, "Safety and Security," Jen Kling considers three scenarios which she presents in order to help her reader to think about global stability. In your essay, explain these scenarios, as well as her reasons for favoring the one that she does. Then, consider what would have to be true in order to make one of the other two scenarios preferable to the one that Kling chooses. Do your considerations complicate Kling's argument? Why or why not?

Answer 2

Explain Kling's three scenarios, as well as her reasons for arguing that Scenario C is the most stable of the three
Describe which conditions would have to be in place in order to make either Scenario A or Scenario B the most stable of the three
Explain whether or not these enumerated conditions serve to complicate Kling's argument in favor of Scenario C being the most stable

Question 3

In his reply, Zelcer discusses the merits of liberal democracies with strong militaries. He says,
It could even be argued that liberal democracies like the US with strong militaries make war less common, not more. A nation can use a powerful military to threaten and coerce, but threats neither kill people nor topple governments. War does.
This reply shows that Zelcer sees threats and coercion as being importantly different from war. In your essay, consider why might someone push back against this assertion. In other words, what might be a reason to worry about Zelcer's suggestion that stronger militaries-who have the powers of threat and coercion-make war less common? How might Zelcer respond to this objection?

Answer 3

Develop an argument that complicates the relationship between threats, coercion, and war, as Zelcer presents it
Explain how Zelcer might respond to this objection

Question 4

In his essay, Zelcer affirms that what is the basic reason that militaries exist?

A) Aggression
B) Protection
C) Distraction
D) Diplomatic relations

Question 5

In his essay, Zelcer argues that the more nations that are militarily self-reliant, _____

A) The safer all nations are
B) More opportunities for peace talks arise
C) The less safe all nations are
D) The less soldier training is needed

Question 6

In his essay, Zelcer offers a number of arguments in favor of his position. Which of the following is NOT one of those arguments?

A) Military spending is a way for a government to stimulate an economy
B) Decreased military spending does not free up money for spending elsewhere
C) Military spending helps to promote a healthy and well-trained police force
D) The more we spend on the military, the fewer people die

Question 7

In her essay, Kling affirms that the goal of increased U.S. military spending is to accomplish what?

A) Make militaries unnecessary in the future
B) Enforce American values worldwide
C) Instill fear in our adversaries
D) Shift the balance of power towards the U.S.

Question 8

In her essay, Kling argues that current military operations adversely affect what group?

A) Black Americans
B) Military veterans and their families
C) Diplomats and peace negotiators
D) The U.S.' European allies

Question 9

In her essay, Kling argues that the U.S. military has the economic problems that _____ typically have.

A) Communist countries
B) Massive corporations
C) Banks
D) Monopolies

Question 10

In his reply, Zelcer suggests that it is possible for liberal democracies with strong militaries to make war less common.

Question 11

Zelcer and Kling agree that having a strong, prepared, robust U.S. military is essential.

Question 12

Identify the author who affirms: "Countries are indeed going to resort to violence when it suits their purposes, and so our goal should be to set conditions for as much cooperation and pacifist interaction as possible, between as many peoples as feasible, given the liberties we value."

A) Mark Zelcer
B) Jen Kling

Question 13

In her reply, Kling affirms that what is changeable in the military spending domain?

A) Public sentiment on military spending
B) The biases of politicians who set the budget
C) The quantity invested in veteran affairs
D) The form of communicating spending decisions to civilians