Wealth versus Security

The question of wealth versus security does not have any easy answer. It would prove difficult for a nation-state to prosper if it were wracked by constant security issues such as terrorism and internal strife. On the other hand, it would also be difficult for a nation-state to achieve security without the wealth necessary to support the entities that provide such security—both internal and external—such as a police force, a justice system, and a national military force.

However, I think that if it came down to choosing between wealth or security, a nation-state would be wise to choose wealth. This is because wealth is fungible; it can easily be exchanged for other necessities of the state, such as infrastructure, services, and, of course, security! Wealth can build internal security by funding the establishment of the various apparatuses necessary for managing the political, social, and economic aspects of the modern nation-state. Wealth can also bring external security by funding diplomacy, military forces, and trade.

Although wealth is fungible and can be used to gain security, it is important to remember that being on the top of the heap often makes you the center of attention—and a tempting target. If a nation flaunts its wealth and uses it in an irresponsible manner, such as wasting major amounts of resources or bullying smaller nations, it is guaranteed to make others angry. If a nation is wealthy, it needs to be responsible with that wealth, using it for the betterment of its people and, hopefully, for people of other nations as well. By utilizing wealth to better human society as a whole, a nation is bound to be far more favorably that a nation that does not.

-Gregory Proulx