No.27: System comparison: Militarism vs Electronic Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Militarism – The Ideology of War as a Tool of Order
I. Definition: What is Militarism?
Militarism refers to the political and societal glorification of the military and military principles. Military power is not only seen as necessary for defense but as a central organizing principle of society. The state is conceived in military terms: hierarchy, command, and obedience dominate all aspects of life.
Militarism is not a form of government per se, but a state doctrine that can permeate democracies, dictatorships, and monarchies alike.
II. Characteristics of Militarist Systems
Dominance of the Military in Politics and Society – Military figures occupy key positions in government, economy, and administration
Glorification of War – War is stylized as the “father of all things” (Heraclitus), as initiation or necessity for national greatness
Devaluation of Civil Society and Diplomacy – Peace efforts are seen as weakness; civilian voices as unpatriotic
Youth Indoctrination into Obedience – Children and adolescents are militarily shaped early (cadet academies, mandatory service, parades)
III. Historical Examples & Consequences
Prussian Militarism (18th to early 20th century)
“Not by German virtue shall the world be healed, but by the Prussian rifle”
Military as central path to social mobility
Direct influence on politics, contributing to WWI
Nazi Germany (1933–1945)
Wehrmacht, SS, SA—military structures dominated all life spheres
Societal militarization was a core part of fascism
Result: world war, Holocaust, total destruction of Europe
USA in the Cold War & Today
“Military-Industrial Complex” (Eisenhower): permanent armament driven by defense industry
Over 800 military bases worldwide—dominance through “force projection”
Massive defense spending (2024: ~$886 billion) despite rising social inequality
North Korea (1948–present)
Military as state religion
“Songun” policy: “Military first”—even before food
Totalitarian structure, constant threat of war
IV. Societal and Humanitarian Consequences
Collapse of Civilization: War becomes normalized
Human Rights Violations: Repression, forced conscription, torture under military regimes
Economic Distortion: Resources spent on weapons instead of education, health, and environment
Brutalization: Violence becomes a socially accepted means of resolution
Environmental Damage: War as one of the largest single causes of ecological catastrophes
V. Comparison with Electronic Technocracy
Militarism | Electronic Technocracy |
Violence as legitimacy | Dialogue & de-escalation algorithms |
Obedience & hierarchy | Participation & system intelligence |
Secrecy & strategy | Transparency & prevention |
People as cannon fodder | People as life intelligence worth protecting |
Electronic Technocracy replaces the notion of military power with that of networked security: prevention through data, conflict resolution through information exchange, defense through intellectual and technological resilience—not through bombs.
VI. Conclusion
Militarism is a historical remnant from a time when men in uniform made decisions over life and death without accountability.
The future, however, needs no uniforms—but collaborative systems that secure human rights, peace, and planetary stability—not through deterrence, but through digital enlightenment.
Wikipedia Links
Deutsch
English
PoliticalWiki: Electric Technocracy
Elektrische Technokratie Podcast & Song
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