BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

FUNGIBILITY OF MILITARY POWER AND IMPERATIVES FOR SMALL NATIONS

Author: Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2006v27n1a4

ABSTRACT

The power of a nation state emanates from her political, diplomatic, informational and military might.All these powers are fungible to some degree. However, the symbiotic relationship between the military and the other instruments of power is worth examining as it undergirds the total national power. The general perception that military power is only for war coupled with its misuse by dictatorial regimes in many small states have hindered the growth of military power in right direction. But, states remain in peace more often than war and military power, particularly in case of small nations, is crucial to preserve and protect peace through its fungible nature. Thus, a critical analysis of the fungibility of military power during peace and war is warranted to derive the imperatives for small nations. The paper contends that small nations need to build and maintain a sustainable military power and maximize its implicit use. Internally, it could serve to strengthen the political will and unitary character of the state and contribute in various developmental activities; externally, the deficit of the military power of small nations could be addressed by strengthening the UN and building alliance.