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SMALL STATE PERSPECTIVE
Geopolitics and national security
Maj- Gen. (Retd) A L M Fazlur Rahman
The basic idea of ‘might is right’ is that force triumphs and a man has a duty to constantly protect, with force, what he has acquired by force himself. The phrase ‘might is right’ is most often used in derogatory assessments of expressions of power. Those who are the strongest will rule others and have the power to determine right and wrong. “It is a very dangerous doctrine when it becomes the creed of a stupid people, for it flatters their self-sufficiency, and distracts their attention from the difficult, subtle, frail, and wavering conditions of human power,” eminent Elizabethan figure, explorer, poet and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh (1552 – 1618). But who heeds Raleigh?
Big states subdue smaller ones
Historically speaking, the doctrine ‘might is right’ has always been applied and practised. The larger nations have always subjugated the smaller states under their regional influences. There had been numerous direct or indirect aggressions on the sovereignty of many smaller states. Exploitation of the resources of the smaller states and demand for undue facilities, as in the past, have been a continuous process. Failure to resisting such undue advantages has been met by such other pressure that the smaller states have finally been forced into succumbing to these indirect pressures. Demand for transit facilities from Bangladesh and the sharing of the Ganges water by her more powerful neighbour is but a reflection of this imposition of the larger state’s will onto the smaller state.
This essay seeks to identify the factor that contributes to making a state war-prone. It also suggests ways and means by which the smaller states should endeavour to address these problems. This has been done so as to highlight the fact that military policy, national security and strategy needs to be formulated through a coordinated effort of all conscious citizens who are affected by any war that may befall the country and that the formulation of these policies are not the exclusive domain of the military, as is generally thought of.
This article also endeavours to awaken the conscious citizens to participate in the process of formulation of all policies that has a direct bearing on the national life. It seeks to recommend these elements to form an integral and inseparable element of the formulating body on all matters of national interest.
Finally, the essay suggests how the entire gamut of policy making can consider the relevant elements on which the consensus of the nation is necessary.
‘‘Aaji dakhina dooar khola;
eshohey, eshohey’’
The necessity of freethinking is firmly recognised in this article, as knowledge grows in a free environment. Since knowledge means the power of thinking it fervently requires to free the mind from all prejudices, so that it is allowed to proceed towards perfection.
Our beloved poet Rabindranath Tagore sang for fraternity and brotherhood: “Deebe aar neebe, milabey milibey’’ (Give and take, unite) — we should strive for concord and harmony. He has further said, ‘Aaji dakhina dooar khola, eshohey’. The verses delineate that expression should be with a free mind; views and values must be shared, so that one can reach the cherished goal as a sovereign nation.
In this study, geo-politics has been identified as a constant or a semi-constant factor that leads to the war propensity of a state. Factors such a geographical location, resources, transit facilities, water resources, protection of group interest and reunification have been analysed to highlight how they increase war propensity. At all stages historical references of smaller states have been made while Bangladesh has been referred to repeatedly and has been accorded high importance.
It has been argued that a military policy should be prepared on the basis of the existing geopolitical realities under the joint auspices of the civilian intellectuals, political and the military leadership. To develop the state of mind amongst the common masses, military education has been suggested at the higher level of studies. The paper also proposes for establishment of “Force to Policy Ratio” to pursue economic growth.
In the discussion of the national security the importance of maintaining strong armed forces has been valued as deterrence. At the tactical level the land and nature has been accorded priority and their skilful use has been emphasised. Concurrently, maintenance of a smaller standing force and a motivated and associated mass has been suggested for states with lack of resources to sustain large armed forces. The study seeks to enlighten how limitations of depth can be negated and how best the strength of men and land can be combined to reach the objective.
Geopolitical appearance
The attractive geopolitical appearance and abundant resources of a state may attract other powers, as the beauty and tasty flesh of the deer tempt the hunter. Thus the state may fall victim of aggression by external forces. The physical occupation of state in the past was almost a natural phenomenon. The weaker and defeated state was brought under stiff conditions like the paying of heavy taxes for years to the conquering force in pursuance of the provision of the treaty. Although in modern times these scenarios have apparently disappeared, but the cause and consequence of the war as in the past, still exists but definitely in different form and manner. The reason is that war is still being fought; colonial exploitation is continuing and the tendency of treating the small states as a protectorate of the stronger powers is still ongoing.
The emerging questions of the present day are; why a peace-loving state is being dragged towards war against her will, falls victim of aggression despite living in the era of civilisation. Why the act of intervention, in the internal affairs of others is the right of the more powerful states? Is there any assurance that a state opting for peace and non intervention will not become victim of aggression and exploitation? If the geopolitical location, natural environment and resources of a state seem to be alluring like venison, then it can hardly safeguard itself from the aggression of external forces by merely uttering the voice of peace. Therefore the matter of war propensity of a state is mostly dependent upon its geopolitical reality.
Analysing war propensity
At the very outset, the difference between the cause of war and the propensity of war should be pointed out, otherwise the two may be thought to be synonymous.
War strategists have carried out extensive studies about the probable causes of a war. They have identified a number of aspects, such as, authoritarianism, long standing leadership, factors influencing the international system, changes in population, advancement of technologies, control over resources, capture of market, and expansionist attitude of powerful states etc. However, the scholars may differ with all these findings, but all agree to recognise the economic factor as the cardinal cause of war. There had rarely been any war fought in the past where economic interest was not involved.
A look at war propensity reflects that it emanates form such elements, which lie in the geo-politics of a state. Therefore, to assess as to what extent a state is war prone, it needs to be carried out through a threadbare analysis of its geo-political standing. This analysis will help in identifying the tangible and intangible elements contributing to war propensity existing in relation to its geo-politics. Since geo-politics is a variable factor it will vary from state to state, the war propensity of a state also varies from other states. However, the war propensity is the effect of the underlying factors, in particular geo-politics of a particular state, and the cause of war is the product of the side and surrounding effects of geopolitics.
A state itself or some of its part can emerge as the element of war propensity. Some other states feel imperative to control the land for their own strategic and political interest. The control over the land can be established directly or indirectly or by both. In such cases, the first state may fall victim of successive aggressions by the state that has political and strategic interest and thereby making the first state to become war prone. For instance, the entire land of Taiwan has become war prone as China finds its strategic and political interests in the land. The Chittagong Hill Tracts and Talpotti Island of Bangladesh are also cases in consideration.
Minerals and other resources
Resources here refer to such materials that help a state survive and grow especially in the military field. To clarify it further it refers to such materials and minerals, which are essential for any military operations. It also helps to allow the civilian economy to run smoothly during any conflict or war. Oil, gas, uranium, ceramics etc are among some of these materials. These are essential ingredients required for achieving military capability of a state which is necessary for the conduct of war.
A powerful state will maximise its effort to maintain its control over those areas where natural war materials are deposited. This is required to ensure that the supplies of strategic war materials are available for the production of munitions of war when necessary. As a war policy all states will include these areas, having deposits of war materials, under their control as important objectives. Since it is quite impossible for a state to be self sufficient in strategic materials within its territorial limit alone, therefore, the concept of geo-strategy remains as it was in the past. A small state rich in such materials are likely to be included in the war plan of its more powerful neighbouring states and will be subjected to successive aggressions. This will lead to seriously threatening the over-all security and stability of that small state. The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq and in its aftermath leaving behind the physical presence of great powers in the Gulf area is an ideal example in this regard. There is no secret of the desire of a particular neighbouring state to import gas from Bangladesh. There seems hardly any difference between Bangladesh and Kuwait in consideration of their political realities.
Transit facility
It is understood that two neighbouring states having the common territorial surface will maintain a mutually hostile relationship between them. In other words, conflicting relationship will exist between neighbours sharing common territorial borders. Therefore, the neighbour’s neighbour will become my friend in accordance with the Chanakyian political philosophy.
The big powers create direct and indirect pressures, as described in the Chanakyan doctrine, on the smaller states located in the buffer zone or within the territorial proximity or spheres of influence of regional powers. This can cause serious threat to the sovereignty and political entity of the smaller states. A more powerful neighbouring state mainly seek transit facilities through the smaller states. It seeks to use the land and port facilities of the small or weaker state for the uninterrupted supply of commodities designed to cut down on its transportation cost which it would otherwise would have required. This facility may further be extended to include the carriage of the troops and ammunitions during war and instillation of military bases etc. As has been practised in the past, even today many small states are still being compelled today to provide such facilities to their more powerful regional neighbours under their direct and indirect pressures. A case in reference, for example, is of Bangladesh where the neighbouring state is seeking to get corridor facilities through Bangladesh both overland as well as through the Chittagong port to reach its commodities as well as its military munitions to its disturbed, distant and virtually isolated north eastern states. There is no denying the fact that by allowing this facility to be extended Bangladesh may antagonize the north-eastern states and thereby cause it to become war prone.
Water resources
Life is the other name of water. Water is undeniably important for survival and economic advancement. Most of the world trade is thorough sea and inland water routes. As the seawaters, sea fishes and sea minerals enhances economic regeneration, the inland waters helps in agricultural development and protects the country from deforestation as well. The sub-soil water level remains normal, if there is adequate flow of surface water throughout the year. On the other hand, if the surface water flow reduces significantly, salinity spreads along the coastal belt and its adjoining areas. Besides, this also results in serious shortfall of agricultural produces due to the non availability of irrigation water. Shortage of drinking water and the rise of arsenic proportion in water causing serious damage to public health are the other subsidiary effects.
Land-locked states do not possess navy, and thereby cannot influence sea oriented trading; as a result, they remain in a permanent disadvantage in national power especially in the economic field. To overcome such geographical disadvantage, this has remained an effort of many states to gain an outlet to the sea through other states by peaceful or at times by the use of power. Germany was involved in two world wars and one of the main reasons behind it was to ensure the sea outlet for herself. As a result, many a state had to face the German onslaught.
The sharing of waters of international rivers flowing through neighbouring countries is still a contentious thorny issue and a crucial problem. At times, it has led to the cause of war among neighbouring states. The Farakka problem has emerged as a life-and-death issue for Bangladesh. Though probability is less, the possibility of being hostile for her survival may not be ruled out. This is the last resort in the future in light of the experience Bangladesh gained from the Liberation War for her survival.
Protection of group interest
The attempt to protect such interests causes serious damage a particular country, nation, groups or religious communities as was in the past. Such act was committed in the past have been political conspiracy to establishing a greater state of their own by extraction of valuable resources and eliminating a nation or community of a particular area.
The creation of the Jewish state in Palestine can be cited. This was a part of the Anglo-American conspiracy to capture the oil of the Arab world. Meanwhile, the Arabs have paid a high price for that, and it is assumed that they will have to continue paying in the future also. In recent times, thousands of innocent Bosnian Muslims irrespective of sex and age have been indiscriminately slaughtered at the altar of conspiracy for the establishment of a greater state for the Slavs and the believers of a particular religion in the Balkans. The humankind has astonishingly experienced such heinous and cowardice acts designed to eliminate a religious community in the name of ‘ethnic cleansing’.
Similarly, it may not be untrue to presume that the terrorist activities of the tribal people and Bangabhumi movement in Bangladesh could also be a part of a greater conspiracy against a particular country and religious community. Given these circumstances, Bangladesh may become a war prone country.
The states or areas, which were divided in the past in the name of independence just merely to meet the religio-political demands and group interests overlooking the geopolitical reality, have been in the process of re-unification and some of them have in the meantime completed the same by the natural course of geo-strategy. In some of the states the movement for unification each taking place actively and in other the continual process of spiritual and psychological affiliation and their outburst is just a matter of time.
But the important factor is, which party initiates first. If the demand of unification arises out of the desire of a great state where the segregated part of a state or area merged with, then that smaller part will be naturally prompted to get reunification with the other part. Against this backdrop, a minimal amount of balance of power cans only ensure the national sovereignty and territorial integrity otherwise there is every possibility to lose national independence. Sikkim is a burning example in this regard. It is uncertain but a possibility that it may also endanger Bangladesh. Therefore, Bangladesh may become war prone on this count as well.
Defence policy
It is essential that a complete military policy is formulated in the relevant part of which it should be made public to make people aware of the important issue of war propensity arising out of the elements of geopolitics with a view to helping them to get a clear conception on the matters of military interests as well as call an end to the misperception in this regard. It is also imperative to ensure that both the parties, i. e. the people, the civil society and the Armed Forces together participate in formulating a full-fledged security policy including a war strategy for the country.
As is the prevalent notion of security in general terms, it appears that there is a common tendency to view the military matters as synonymous to defence policy affairs. But if one goes deep into the subject, it is found that there is nothing synonymous in matters between defence and security policy affairs, rather both are independent components of a single national strategy. However, if one goes primarily for organising thoughts and views about the country’s defence and security systems, then is has to be done through a total military policy which seems to be more rational, The primary task is to formulate a military policy which will have definite objectives in its course of action for achieving a national perspective in this regard. Those are: to provide military education.
Foreign policy
As to the country’s geopolitical scenario from military and political dimension it is required to play a contributory role in finding out the appropriate political course and posture, and in making effective and suitable foreign policy for the country in line with attaining military objectives; to analyse the security affairs for the protection of a country’s economic interests in terms of military point of view; to examine the importance of the role of the Armed Forces in ensuring the security of the country, etc.
These objectives would be designed in such a manner by which the whole nation would get aroused to be aware of the matters of military and national importance that is definitely indispensable for safeguarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is an imperative task to apprise the conscious citizens, the intellectuals and the elite of the country of such matters on national importance through long-term concerted efforts.
A congenial atmosphere with a series of interaction should be maintained. If the matters are discussed amongst the responsible and enlightened segments of the society, it may lead to a positive response. Military affairs may be incorporated in the curriculum of higher studies in order to keep the future generations aware on such matters of national importance. These steps, if taken properly and carefully, will surely bring forth a spontaneous consensus on such military thinking between the people and the Armed Forces.
Education and freethinking
The objective of military education does not necessarily mean the militarisation of thought; rather it is designed to help develop an understanding of military science and its necessity of inclusion in national policies. This could facilitate an environment for the mutual exchange of views and opinions on topics like the Armed Forces and the people.
Despite all-out effort, communism as a political ideology did neither flourish nor consolidate in the former Soviet society in its 70 years of existence behind the iron curtain. Its inner structure experienced a gradual decay as the cancerous cells wore it out, thus it led to its abrupt end just in the seventh decade of its existence in the world political scenario.
The demise of Soviet communism to a large extent can be contributed, as alleged, to the fact that there was virtually no freedom of expression during the entire period of communist rule. By virtue of global mass-communication system as well as electronic media network, the world has literally become smaller. The geographical barrier has been overcome and physical distances have been removed while allowing everyone to have access to all types of information.
Therefore, today it is essential to have interaction, contact and dialogue amongst nations on different issues of national and international importance for mutual sharing of views.
Geopolitics, political course
There is no justification to touch upon the definition of geopolitics, as most of the readers are quite enlightened and are reasonably aware of it. Nevertheless one thing can be pointed out that the notion of geopolitics has originated from the words ‘geography and politics’.
Because of the distinct nature and shape of geographical position, every state follows a distinct political course and stance in its national life. For example, the political courses of the United Kingdom and Israel differ from each other, as they enjoy and succeed different geopolitical reality. To the Israelis, territorial security is first and principal due to the existence of enemies within close proximity; while being a member of the European Community as well as an active member state of NATO Pact, United Kingdom has a different perception of territorial security which is not as threatening as Israel. Thus she has kept herself engaged in trade and commerce that expand beyond her territorial limits. Similarly, with the consideration of geopolitical reality, Bangladesh also holds a different political view and course, distinctly different from the other states of the region.
Although, the pattern of politics varies from state to state since they would possess different topographical shape, culture etc. but one thing is common and identical in every national politics that is national interest. For example, United Kingdom had given top priority to economic issues in her national politics, while Israel has put utmost importance to the safeguarding of her territorial integrity. In the same way, if we look upon the geopolitical scenario of Bangladesh, we will necessarily find that the country is encompassed on three sides by a giant neighbouring state. Besides, beyond the exclusive economic zone of 200 miles in the sea on its southern limits the preeminence of the said power continues.
In short, geopolitics is the combination of ‘geo and politics’, neither ‘geo’ nor ‘politics’ separately can form ‘geopolitics’. That is why consensus on formulating an effective geo-strategy through mutual exchange of views and functional interaction among the experts, Armed Forces, politicians, intellectuals and conscious citizens of the country is needed. Only by this means can a fruitful political course and military policy be formulated in national interest.
Economic security
When ‘security’ is discussed, it means how security is ensured. Wherever security exists, there also exists an agency which is entrusted for ensuring security. It may act actively or passively, but definitely provides a positive environment in relation to guaranteeing security. While formulating a national policy, it is essential to have provision for an agency, which can exclusively deal with security affairs; otherwise it would lose the purpose. Therefore, a country’s political objectives must comprise both territorial security matters as well as economic aspects.
However, a country’s national economy may be of entirely domestic, intra-regional or global in nature. Whatever is the goal of interest of a country’s economy and whatever the extent of its sphere of interest, it is a prerequisite to have an appropriate arrangement to achieve this, especially once these are included in the state policy; otherwise it is very difficult to materialise these cherished objectives.
It is needless to say that every state frames its policy on the basis of national interest. Therefore, one’s national interest may not always be favourable to other’s national interest. For example, a state which is in a favourable situation in terms of attaining its national goal or interests, may tilt towards exerting influence implicitly or explicitly upon other state or states; while other state(s) may try to counter-act by resisting such influence exerted by the former. And in such a backdrop, a state can protect itself resisting coercive influences of others as well as step up its national efforts. To acquire such capability with a favourable centripetal and centrifugal effect, it overwhelmingly requires the active-counter-active force dynamics.
However, in this study it is comprehended that “force to Policy Ratio” can be achieved by possessing a determined military force that is vested with the capability to influence the existing political balance. States existing in the community of nations can thus gain the power to negotiate matters of bilateral and multilateral interests amongst themselves and pave the way for the achievement of the cherished goals of national interests. These may comprise trade relations, capture of market, and building friendly relationship with foreign countries, organising favourable international public opinion and so on. Therefore, the matter of national economy needs to be considered attaching importance to the matter of military potentiality.
Security and armed forces
Where security prevails, an agency prevails there dealing with security, working directly or indirectly. However, the direct and indirect presence of a military force can be explained in such a way that the deployment of armed forces in different places of a country to defend the territorial integrity is considered as physical presence; while the existence of strong armed forces with deterrent value can be taken as indirect source of power in relation to safeguarding the national interests beyond its territorial limit. However, it is often found that this indirect effect is perceived in the same way as physical presence by other states. Such indirect action of military power thus can create a centrifugal effect and can also play an inflectional role in foreign policy and diplomacy.
Therefore, for a sovereign nation it is of utmost necessity to maintain an efficient and effective armed force and attain the required military power with a view to protecting its national interests. A powerful state can protect their national interests by exerting influence upon others.. Hence, when the security matter of a country is to be contemplated in a total gamut, it is necessary to bring the armed forces and the people together within the process.
Exclusive Economic Zone
Since beyond the 200 miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the entire Bay of Bengal falls in the absolute control of its giant neighbour, it is strategically rational for a country like Bangladesh to pursue “Sea Denial” tactics, rather than “Sea Control”. It is not very difficult to determine the size and shape of the Naval Force, if careful examination of the situation of its existing sea base line and EEZ is carried out. This is also equally applicable for both the Army and Air Force.
While searching for a military policy for Bangladesh, military education, geo-political aspects and political goals, economic security and military power, national security and Armed Forces etc., have been emphasised. It is believed to be rationale to make the people aware on these matters, namely; territorial security, political sovereignty and nation’s future growth in total spectrum through a co-ordinated military policy. With the unequivocal understanding between the people and the Armed Forces on matters of national interest, a consensus on such important national issues can be arrived at. It is clearly understood that the soon the process in initiated the better it is.
Safeguarding sovereignty
The objective of the discussion about the elements of war propensity is to see how a state is war prone in the light of geopolitics, so that people can be aware of it and at the same time can take appropriate defence and security measure. Many a nation could not safeguard their sovereignty in the past and consequently had to accept the subjugation of others due to their negligence in such an important matter and initiative in taking counter measure at the right time. This is certainly not desirable for any independent and sovereign nation. As the war propensity is the factor of the underlying elements of geo-politics, the perceived war phobia of a state will also exist as long as its statehood exists. Therefore, keeping this formula “defence against attack” in this state of mind war strategists and political leaders will formulate a suitable war strategy under the joint auspices, so that the national independence and sovereignty can be ensured and safeguarded by the successful and timely application of that formulated strategy.
The author may be reached: E-mail: dnijandolon@yahoo.com
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