Force Theory

                              The Force Theory

a-Statement of the Theory-This theory holds that the state originated and developed by the use of naked force applied by the strong over the weak and their consequent subjugation. In the very beginning man lived in small groups (Guilds) and wondered from one place to another in search of food. Many times a fight broke out in these groups. Whenever the strong group succeeded in having its control over the weak group the State was organised, because the leader of the strong used to become the king and brought the defeated group into his subjection. In his famous book "History Politics" Jenks points out,"Historically speaking there is not the slightest difficulty in proving that all political communities of the modern type owe their existence to successful warfare." This statement of Jenks makes it very clear that the state is the out-come of war and that "war begets the king." Voltaire has also admitted that "the first king was fortunate warrior".Hume gave expression earlier in the eighteenth century when he wrote,"It is probable that the first ascendancy of one man over multitudes began during a state of war,where unanimity and concert are most requisite and where pernicious effects of disorder are most easily felt. The long continuance of that state, an incident common among savage tribes inured people to submission.
The progressive growth from tribe to kingdom and from kingdom to empire is but a continuation of the same process".
The exponents of the Force Theory are of the opinion that the origin and development of the state is based on the use of sheer force. Oppenheim, Jenks, Bernhardi and Treitschke are the cheif exponent of this theory. Oppenheim, the author of the "State", and Jenks agree that all political communities or states rose on the basis of force. Treitschke, the German historian, is of the opinion that "the state is the public power of offence, the first task of which is the making of war and the administration of justice".
Secondly,exponents of the Theory of Force firmly believe that the State developed only on the basis of force. For example, Alexander, the Great,expanded his kingdom only with the use of force. Other conquerors also followed the suit. Changez Khan, Akbar, Aurangzeb, Nadir Shah, Hitler and Napoleon also did the same. Thirdly, exponents of this theory are of the opinion that the State can exist only on the basis of force. For example, the police and army help a lot in maintaining peace within the country and in defending the country from foreign aggression. Force always plays its role in the existence and evolution of the State.
"Some of the greatest empires or the States have been established through blood and iron methods in the past. David Hume is of the opinion that "it is probably that the first ascendancy of one man over multitudes began during a state of war..."

Diverse Uses of the Force Theory

a-For providing the Supremacy of the Church over State

During the Middle Ages troule arose between the Church and the State.At that time the priests argued that the State originated by the use of brutal force and could exist only with the help of force. So it was inferior to the Church that functioned according to the dictates of religion. The priest tried their best to prove the theory that the Church was a divine institution and ,therefore, the State was inferior to and was under the control of the Church. Gregory VII wrote in 1080, "which of us is ignorant that Kings and Lords have had their origin in those who are ignorant of God, by arrogance,rapine and perfidy,slaughter by every crime with the devil agitating as the princes of the world have continued to rule over the fellowmwen with blind cupidity and intolerable presumption".

b-For Supporting Socialism and Communisms

Karmal Marx gave birth to Socialism and Communism. According to Karl Marx, the State is based on force and the imperialists make the use of power for exploiting the labour class. Lenin, who is regarded as the father of communism,has gone to the extent of saying,"The State is the instrument of exploitation in the hands of capitalists who rule over the majority of persons." Karl Marx inspired the labourers to organise themselves and rise in revolt against the State. He incited them to overthrow the government and abolish the State so that they may be able to establish a socialist institution at the cost of imperialism. Marx permitted the State to operate only for a temporary phase.

c-For Suporting Extreme Nationalism and Militarism

The German writers appreciated the Force Theory and praised it for making their country great. They thought it necessary to make the use of force in order to make the country strong,and powerful. Treitschke said that "the state is the public power of offence and defence,the first task of which is the making of war and the administration of justice." He further said,"War consolidates a people, reveals to each individual his relative unimportance,cause factional hostilities to disappear and intensified patriosm and national idealism."The grandeur of history lies,"says Treitchke,"in the perpetual conflict of the nations and appeal to arms will be valid until the end of history."
During the second World war, Hitler in Germany,Mussolini in Italy translated these ideals into action. They laid emphais on power for rising their status in the world,for spreading their culture and for establishing supremacy all over the world.

d-For supporting the Military Revolutions After the Second World War

After the second world war, Egypt, Pakistan, Burma, Iraq, Turky, South Vietnam,Bangla desh,Panama,Dahomey,Chile,Nigeria and Sudan and many other countries saw the out-break of military revolutions.These military revolutions which broke out after the Second World War forcibly toppled down the civil govt.and the strongest military leader in each of these countries shouldered the responsibility of leading the country.