The Image of World Society and the Function of Armaments

Abstract

The image of a Centralized World Society as usually presented is discussed, and the author finds that this image has to be readjusted if armaments are to be limited. Such a readjustment presupposes a more realistic image of the functioning industrial society which must furnish the foundation of the World Society. Instead of seeking only centralized and global solutions when nations operating alone have shown themselves unable to avert war, one might seek to institutionalize bloc policies, on a regional basis. This would correspond to the spreading of industrial power across the globe (instead of its being centralized), but it must be coupled with self-limitations of societies as they become highly industrialized.