Federalist No. 8: WAR! - TPF 08

The Paperless Federalists

In this episode Cary and Justin address Hamilton’s concerns that if the States fail to unite, they will devolve into a state of perpetual militarization and war between themselves. Cary discusses why large states like New York need to be concern with the smaller states. Hamilton warns of the dangers of over militarization, and how this can lead to the suppression of liberty and personal freedoms. Justin discusses how Hamilton’s themes resonate today with the case of Rumsfeld vs. Padilla, and former President Eisenhower’s Farwell address. The guys disagree on whether Hamilton would be able to take the positions he advocates in Federalist No. 8 today. Did the Napoleonic Wars negate Hamilton’s position about how countries use their military forces? Is Hamilton’s message of unity still valid, and perhaps even more critical, today? Cary turns away from Hamilton, and looks to The Leviathan and The Watchmen for answers. In the end, the guys remind us, “There's no crying in [the geopolitical arena]!”