Civis Pacem Para Bellum: When Peace Depends on Readiness for War

“Si vis pacem, para bellum”—if you want peace, prepare for war. This classic Latin phrase is more than an empty proverb uttered by Roman generals. It has evolved into a strategic principle embraced by many nations today. Despite being adorned with diplomatic slogans and multilateralism, the modern world still lives under the shadow of armed conflict. War, in truth, is an inevitable reality in human history. To be prepared is to survive; to be unprepared is to become a victim.

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed how quickly the flames of conflict can spread and consume regions once thought to be peaceful. The Russia–Ukraine war, which began in 2022, has resurrected the nightmares of the Cold War in Europe. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel continues to destabilize the Middle East, drawing in regional powers like Iran and global actors like the United States. India and Pakistan remain locked in chronic tension, particularly over Kashmir. Even in Southeast Asia, military tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have escalated over an ancient temple dispute at their shared border. These cases prove that peace is a fragile condition—one that needs guardians, not just prayers.

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War is No Longer Conventional

Interestingly, war today does not always take a conventional form. In addition to physical battles on the ground, we now face various forms of “new wars”—including cyber warfare, economic warfare, and information warfare. Cyberattacks targeting a country's critical infrastructure can paralyze financial systems, electricity grids, and even military defenses without a single bullet being fired. In this context, preparation must go beyond physical capabilities—it must also include digital resilience and intellectual vigilance.

The global system is becoming increasingly complex and multipolar. When a conflict erupts, its effects can ripple across the world. For example, when Russia invaded Ukraine, it was not only Europe that was shaken. Global energy prices surged, wheat supplies were disrupted, and NATO reinforced its military posture. The United States, as a global superpower, is frequently involved in such conflicts, either as a key player or as a behind-the-scenes orchestrator. As a result, countries—even those far from the epicenter of conflict—cannot afford to remain idle.

The Surge in Global Defense Spending

It is unsurprising, then, that global defense budgets are rising sharply across the board. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending in 2024 reached a record high of over USD 2.4 trillion. The United States remains the world’s largest military spender, followed by China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia. Even smaller countries like Singapore and Qatar have significantly increased their military budgets.

This trend is not driven by paranoia, but by rational calculation. In an international system that is anarchic and lacks a central authority, security becomes each nation’s responsibility. In the logic of political realism, states are rational actors that always pursue their national interests—especially survival. A robust defense capability is essential to preserve sovereignty. Countries that think logically understand that it is futile to rely on the mercy of others or on fragile international morality.

Modernizing Weaponry and Strategic Alliances

As part of their preparations, many countries are prioritizing the modernization of their main weapons systems. This is not just about purchasing more tanks or fighter jets, but also about enhancing defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology: hypersonic missiles, advanced air defense systems, stealth submarines, and artificial intelligence in command systems. The arms race has even extended into outer space, with military satellites and anti-satellite systems becoming central to defense doctrines.

Moreover, countries increasingly seek to join or strengthen military alliances to bolster their defense posture and ensure their survival. NATO, for instance, has regained strategic relevance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In Asia, new alliances such as AUKUS (Australia–UK–US) and the Quad (US–India–Australia–Japan) have emerged to balance China's growing influence. In the Middle East, military blocs have formed between Iran and its proxy militias against the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

The Impact on Developing Countries

Unfortunately, this surge in military spending also presents a dilemma, especially for developing nations. On the one hand, they are expected to strengthen national defense in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. On the other hand, increased defense budgets often come at the expense of vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. In such circumstances, wise leadership is needed to ensure that national security strategies do not undermine broader human development goals.

Nevertheless, a decision must be made. To be weak is to send an open invitation to aggression. History has shown that nations unable to defend themselves often become victims of colonization, intervention, or even genocide. From the Ottoman Empire to Yugoslavia, from Libya to Syria—the pattern is clear: states that fail to maintain credible military authority eventually collapse or are conquered.

Indonesia and Future Challenges

In the case of Indonesia, the maxim civis pacem, para bellum holds significant relevance. As the world’s largest archipelagic state, with thousands of islands and vast maritime territory, Indonesia faces unique geopolitical challenges. Strategically located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is vulnerable to regional conflicts—especially those related to the South China Sea, maritime security, and cross-border terrorism.

Modernizing the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), enhancing naval and air defense capabilities, and developing the domestic defense industry are crucial steps that must be continuously accelerated. In addition, Indonesia must play an active diplomatic role—both within regional forums such as ASEAN and in global institutions like the United Nations—to maintain balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific. A strategic balance between hard power and soft power is essential for a nation as large and complex as Indonesia.

Conclusion: Peace Through Preparedness

In the end, the phrase civis pacem, para bellum is not a glorification of war, but a call for vigilance. True peace can only be achieved if a nation possesses the ability to defend it. Without preparedness, peace is merely an illusion—one that can shatter at any moment. In a world rife with turmoil, only nations that are prepared and resolute will stand tall. And paradoxically, it is this very preparedness that may ultimately prevent war from occurring.

War is real. So be ready.