In His Reply, Zelcer Discusses the Merits of Liberal Democracies

question 4

Essay

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?

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Definitions:

Variable Costing

A costing method that includes only variable production costs in the cost of goods sold and uses fixed manufacturing overhead as a period cost.

Absorption Costing

A financial calculation approach that encompasses both direct and indirect expenses related to producing a product.

Variable Costing

An accounting method that only includes variable production costs (costs that change with the level of output) in the cost of goods sold and treats fixed costs as period costs.

Manufacturing Costs

The total costs incurred in the process of producing or manufacturing goods.