I admit that I´m new to this forum although I read it for over a year now. Some of the threads undeniably lead to a political discussion as defence policy has a political dimension. Defense policy includes a range of fields in political science, anthropology, history, sociology, psychology, political economics, natural science, etc. I believe that there should be an opportunity to ventilate discourses within these academic fields within the limit of good taste, in selected parts of the forum - instead having these debates in threads where other topics are discussed.
I understand that there is a sensitivity among the staff regarding humanities and social sciences. It is understandable given the circumstances. Most people are incapable of discussing the humanities and social science at an academic level within the framework of the higher ideals of the disciplines. However, if members seek the civilized higher debate it should be possible. Such a sub-forum would also reduce tensions that is ever present at this forum that cause unnecessary conflict. These tension stem from guidelines and rules that ban any form of political discussion which also means that defence policy beyond weapon systems cannot be discussed. Wars and conflict are fought on tactical, operational, strategic and political level - not only tactical and operational level. Thus, the last need to be addressed within the borders of the civilized and nobiliary conversation.
There are of course other reasons why the Sino Defence Forum should open more sub-forums. We must be able to analyze international relations, power relations and the domestic dynamics of countries. This is a necessity to further deepen and expand the conversation - to eventually to reach the higher Aristotelian pillars of conversation.
/J. Whitman
I understand that there is a sensitivity among the staff regarding humanities and social sciences. It is understandable given the circumstances. Most people are incapable of discussing the humanities and social science at an academic level within the framework of the higher ideals of the disciplines. However, if members seek the civilized higher debate it should be possible. Such a sub-forum would also reduce tensions that is ever present at this forum that cause unnecessary conflict. These tension stem from guidelines and rules that ban any form of political discussion which also means that defence policy beyond weapon systems cannot be discussed. Wars and conflict are fought on tactical, operational, strategic and political level - not only tactical and operational level. Thus, the last need to be addressed within the borders of the civilized and nobiliary conversation.
There are of course other reasons why the Sino Defence Forum should open more sub-forums. We must be able to analyze international relations, power relations and the domestic dynamics of countries. This is a necessity to further deepen and expand the conversation - to eventually to reach the higher Aristotelian pillars of conversation.
/J. Whitman