While by no means is the intent of this essay to undermine the importance of military resources, but to show the delicate balance between economic and military resources required to develop and maintain power within politics. Carr maintains, "all or nothing . economic power is impotent if the military weapon is not held in readiness to support it. Power is indivisible; and military and economic weapons are merely different instruments of power" (Betts, 62). While they are different instruments of power one without the support of the other is inert. .
The nature of humans attribute to the need for power and the ability of a powerful state to influence others. Thomas Hobbes indicates "the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, competition, secondly diffidence, third glory" (Betts, 48). Since mans true nature encompasses competition, diffidence, and glory it is only natural to assume without the presence of power on behalf of the state, outsiders would invade the state for no reasons other than greed and envy in order to secure their own safety by establishing a reputation for themselves. Furthermore, if there is no threat of retaliation on behalf of the injured party the aggressor would naturally seek to obtain power for himself. Additionally , since man lives in a state of "continual fear, and danger of violent death ." (Betts, 48) as stated by Thomas Hobbes, the threat of military action and economic sanctions influence the actions of less powerful states, deterring them from taking actions that according to Hobbes would be "natural" without the threat "of violence death". Man is also naturally selfish and untrustworthy according to Hobbes, "Love is held by a chain of obligation, which men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose; but fear is maintained by dread of punishment which never fails" (Betts, 43). The love spoken of in the previous quote incorporates respect and honor.
