Foreign Affairs Article: The Return of Peace Through Strength
The Latin phrase Si vis pacem, para bellum—“If you want peace, prepare for war”—has shaped the military and diplomatic strategies of empires and nations for centuries.
Originating in Roman times, this principle stresses that peace is not the default state of human affairs but a condition that must be preserved through vigilance and strength. Today, as the United States navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, this doctrine remains critical for maintaining stability and safeguarding national interests.
The Founding Fathers and Early U.S. Adoption of Peace through Strength
The concept of peace through strength has been central to American foreign policy since the nation’s inception. President George Washington, in his 1793 address to Congress, warned that if the U.S. wanted to secure peace, it had to be prepared for war: “If we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for war.” This strategic philosophy was foundational for early U.S. defense policy, emphasizing military readiness as the best deterrent against aggression.
Later, President Theodore Roosevelt cemented this approach with his famous dictum, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” Roosevelt believed that America could best protect its interests by being militarily strong while maintaining a preference for diplomatic solutions. His administration oversaw the expansion of the U.S. Navy and pursued an active foreign policy that sought to balance diplomacy with the credible threat of force.
The Cold War and the Reaffirmation of Peace through Strength
The doctrine of Si vis pacem, para bellum found new life during the Cold War, particularly as the United States faced off against the Soviet Union in a global contest for influence. The U.S. embraced military superiority as a means of containing communism and preventing direct conflict with the USSR. Central to this strategy was the belief that a strong, capable military could deter Soviet aggression and keep the Cold War "cold."
Under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the U.S. military buildup reached new heights, particularly in nuclear arms, with the aim of deterring any Soviet first strike. Subsequent administrations, including those of John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, continued to emphasize a balance between military strength and diplomacy, using arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) alongside a robust defense posture.
In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan reignited the principle of peace through strength as he confronted the Soviet Union, calling for a massive military buildup, including the development of advanced weapons systems like the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Reagan’s emphasis on military superiority and technological innovation was designed to outpace Soviet capabilities and force the USSR into negotiations, ultimately contributing to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Confronting New Threats: China and Russia in the 21st Century
In the post-Cold War era, the U.S. initially emerged as the world’s uncontested superpower. However, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically in recent decades. China’s rise as a military and economic powerhouse and Russia’s resurgence as a disruptive global actor have challenged the U.S. and its allies, making the principle of peace through strength more relevant than ever.
China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, its threats to Taiwan, and its strategic use of economic leverage pose significant challenges to U.S. global leadership. Beijing’s military modernization, including advancements in naval power, space capabilities, and cybersecurity, positions it as the foremost competitor to U.S. influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, China’s unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and economic coercion further complicate the bilateral relationship.
Russia, although economically weaker than China, remains a potent military force and a geopolitical disruptor. Its 2022 invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated Moscow’s willingness to use military power to achieve its objectives, destabilizing Europe and threatening the post-World War II international order. Despite the economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation imposed by the West, Russia has maintained its aggressive posture, using cyberattacks, energy exports, and disinformation campaigns to undermine Western unity.
Both China and Russia have invested heavily in military modernization, including nuclear weapons and advanced missile systems. These developments highlight the need for the U.S. to maintain its technological and military edge, particularly in emerging domains like space and cybersecurity, to deter aggression and protect its interests.
Strengthening Alliances in the Pacific and Beyond
As the U.S. confronts these challenges, strengthening alliances in key regions is essential. In the Indo-Pacific, traditional allies like Japan, South Korea, and Australia are pivotal in countering China’s growing influence. These nations not only share strategic interests with the U.S. but are also critical partners in maintaining a rules-based order in the region.
Emerging partnerships with nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines will also be crucial in preventing Chinese dominance in the South China Sea. The U.S. must continue to engage in joint military exercises, provide arms sales, and enhance security cooperation with these countries to ensure that they are prepared to defend their sovereignty. The annual Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) war games, which demonstrate U.S. military commitment to the region, are a vital component of this strategy.
Taiwan, as a democratic beacon and key player in global technology supply chains, remains a flashpoint for U.S.-China tensions. Although the U.S. has long maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding Taiwan’s defense, it must now ensure that its support for Taiwan is clear and robust. Increased arms sales, joint military planning, and diplomatic engagement are necessary to deter any Chinese aggression against the island.
Addressing Threats in the Middle East: The Iranian Challenge
In the Middle East, the principle of Si vis pacem, para bellum remains critical, particularly in countering the growing influence of Iran. The Iranian regime continues to threaten regional stability through its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, as well as its ongoing nuclear ambitions.
Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a direct threat to both U.S. allies in the region, particularly Israel, and global energy markets. While diplomatic efforts to rein in Iran’s nuclear program have been pursued by successive U.S. administrations, a policy of strength must remain central to deterring Tehran. Sanctions enforcement, diplomatic isolation, and military preparedness are essential components of this strategy.
The U.S. must also maintain strong partnerships with key regional players such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, have created a new framework for cooperation and stability in the region. However, the U.S. must continue to push for deeper security cooperation and ensure that its allies are prepared to confront shared threats, particularly from Iran.
Revitalizing U.S. Military Power for the Future
While alliances are key to maintaining global stability, the U.S. must also address significant challenges within its own military. Recruitment shortfalls, particularly in the Army and Navy, have raised concerns about the future readiness of U.S. forces. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has fewer than 300 ships, well below the goal of a 355-ship fleet needed to project power in critical regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Persian Gulf.
Modernization of U.S. forces is equally important. Investments in hypersonic missiles, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and space-based technologies are essential for maintaining a competitive edge against adversaries like China and Russia, who are rapidly advancing in these areas. Additionally, the Pentagon’s procurement processes, often hampered by delays and cost overruns, must be reformed to ensure that new technologies can be developed and deployed swiftly.
The Balance of Diplomacy and Military Readiness
As the U.S. faces a complex and evolving global threat landscape, it must strike a careful balance between diplomacy and military strength. History shows that diplomacy is most effective when backed by a credible threat of force. The U.S. must remain committed to both maintaining peace and being prepared for war if necessary. This dual approach will ensure that the U.S. can deter aggression while continuing to lead on the global stage.
Whether confronting China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, managing Russia’s aggressions in Europe, or addressing the ongoing challenges in the Middle East, the principle of Si vis pacem, para bellum remains a guiding force for U.S. foreign policy. By maintaining a strong military, modernizing its forces, and strengthening its alliances, the U.S. can continue to preserve peace and protect its national interests in the face of growing global threats.
Conclusion: Peace Through Strength for the Modern Era
The principle of Si vis pacem, para bellum has proven its enduring value across centuries of conflict and diplomacy. As the U.S. faces new and evolving threats, the need for a strong and ready military, backed by robust alliances, is more pressing than ever. Whether in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, or the Middle East, the U.S. must remain vigilant and prepared, using its strength to maintain peace and security in a rapidly changing world.
How can the U.S. best prioritize its military modernization efforts while maintaining strong alliances to counter global threats?
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