Threat-perception and the armament-tension dilemma

failed to preserve the peace the fourth century, did little better during the fifteen succeeding ones, and has thrice this century failed to prevent mass bloodshed. Neither the evidence of history nor the application of logic would suggest that the para bellum doctrine holds out any peaceful prospects for the present; yet, as Madariaga sadly concluded, its vitality is incredible (25, p. 13). Clinging to the dogma as if a trance, the Soviet and Western blocs are today engaged a hypertrophic race for superiority weapons technique and production. Like the Hobbesian Kings and Persons of Soveraigne Authority, they find themselves in the state and posture of gladiators; having their weapons pointing and their eyes fixed on one another; that is, their Forts, Garrisons, and Guns upon the Frontiers of their Kingdomes, and continuall Spyes upon their neighbors; which is a posture of War (14, p. 65).