Answer to Question 1
Radical-Left View: The solution to militarism is ending the domination of the world by rich nations; eliminating capitalism will end the need for ongoing militarism as well as terrorism.
Liberal View: Reasonable military strength is necessary, but the United States should seek arms reductions and rely on diplomacy as much as possible. Addressing the grievances of less powerful people will reduce terrorism.
Conservative View: Maintaining military strength and strong counterterrorism measures will defeat enemies who are set on our destruction, encourage peace, and ensure the security of the United States.
Answer to Question 2
Structural-functional theory suggests that war is a strategy that a society may use to establish its independence, defend its way of life, or reach other objectives. Terrorism is a strategy used by groups or nations to oppose a much stronger enemy. Conflict helps unite a society and strengthen its core values. Militarism helps expand the economy. Many technological advances that improve our lives, including the Internet, were developed through military research.
Symbolic-interaction theory focuses on the meanings and understandings that people attach to conflict. National leaders use symbols to convince a population that their cause is just. Leaders also use symbols to demonize an enemy.
Social-conflict theory links war to social inequality. Marx explained militarism as efforts by the capitalist elite to gain ever-increasing profits through colonialism; today, the goal is to defend and expand the capitalist global economy. Strong nations use war to dominate the globe; the powerless use terrorism to fight back.