National Defense VS. Individual Well Being

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One nation is composed of numerous individuals, and those individuals are generally viewed as an ‘owner’ of one nation. However, is it right for one nation to concern about every individual, setting aside national defense?

Before the discussion, we had to clarify terms in the topic. After another discussion, the idea to regard national defense as ‘nation’ itself, and individual well being as just random individuals was dominant.

During the discussion, there were two major aspects to consider on the topic; one was the financial stance and the other was the general welfare. My assertion was that we should see the forest rather than the trees. Since one nation can subsist with its own defense and infrastructure, I thought one nation’s well being will eventually bring individuals’ well being. However, there were such opinions pointing out the importance of the member of one society. Those who supported this point, claimed that individual welfare in diverse spectrum, such as education and medication, will finally strengthen the defense and the actual power of a country.

I think the main clash was the question of which comes first, the chicken or the egg. Those, who emphasized the subsistence of one nation, viewed national stabilization will eventually benefit each member of the society. However, the other side thought, since individuals(or citizens) are superior to one nation, the well being of each individual will enhance the overall national powers.

This discussion did not have a resolution, since no one can clearly judge the amount of importance of the values: subsistence of one nation and well being of each members of that nation. This topic is still a very debatable topic in the middle of the century which puts emphasis on individual rights.