Military power is an important characteristic of states from a realist point of view, but states that are apparently weak seem to win a large share of armed conflicts. (a) How can we change our definition of military power to reflect this reality? (b) Are there other types of power that may be more important in predicting military victories? (c) Should states focus primarily on military power in

their security decisions? Why?

What will be an ideal response?

Of all the components of state power, realists see military capability as by far the most
important. Realist theory maintains that the ability to coerce militarily is more important
than rewarding favors or buying concessions. Thus, realists reject the view of liberal
strategic thinkers who maintain that under conditions of globalization, which links
countries economically, politically, and culturally in webs of interdependence, economic
resources are becoming increasingly more critical to national strength and security than
are military capabilities. Following tradition, one way to estimate the power potential
of states is to compare their military expenditures.